


<* 






V 1 














































W 














^ 










' 














V 









-^ .^ v 













































> v 






^ 


















o<" 



















% 










f 





















































































^ 













■^ 









>- v* 












<p -v 





































































* ^C 



























^ p 


















V 







jj) 5ABea* (^ 



THE STORY 



OF 



BERKS COUNTY 



(PENNSYLVANIA) 




BY 



A. E. WAGNER, Ph.D. 

NESQUEHONING, PA. 

F. W. BALTHASER, M.E. 

READING, PA. 

D. K. HOCH 

READING, PA. 



19 13 

Eagle Book and Job Press 

Reading, Pa. 



Copyrighted, 1913 

BY 

Reading Eagle Company 
Reading, Pa. 



: 

©CI.A34 6809 



PREFACE 

A good school system must meet the demands of the community 
in which its schools are located. To do this the aims, means and 
methods must constantly be adapted to the changing needs of the 
community life. The changes involved in such adaptation constitute 
educational progress. Many such changes are urgent at the present 
time. Children are often taught many things unnecessary, while 
essential matters are omitted. The lawmakers, the press, the business 
men and the general public are about unanimous on this point. In 
consideration of these matters some time at least should be devoted 
to the practical things which would prepare the pupil for direct 
usefulness in the community life. 

In all localities, however, a knowledge of the early history of 
the industrial development, of the local government and of the local 
geography should form a vital part of the child's proper practical 
education, since these things are necessary to the child's proper 
existence as a social being. To be ignorant of these things would 
mean not only a lack of intelligence, but it makes the proper perform- 
ing of the functions of an American citizen impossible. 

The upper grades are the finishing schools for the vast majority 
of children. Provision in them should be made to teach the history 
and geography of the town, township and county in which they reside. 
Time should be found to give the children a knowledge of the 
industrial development upon which their future wages will depend. 
Means should be furnished so that children will not leave school 
by the thousands in almost absolute ignorance of the government 
under which they live and of those civil functions which, as members 



4 PREFACE 

of the community, they will be expected to perform. Provision for 
some of these things is usually made in the high school, but hardly 
one-tenth of the children in any locality ever enter the high school. 

In a county like ours, in which much has already been done that 
will tend to prepare the boys and girls for the life they will probably 
live, a forward step along the lines of preparing them more directly 
to perform their duties as citizens of a republic and of giving them a 
view of how their grandparents lived and worked is especially urgent 
and vital. That this volume may supply the need it was prepared 
to fill is the sincere wish of the authors, who take this means of 
expressing their thanks to the many teachers and friends who so 
kindly furnished assistance and information. 

A. E. WAGNER, 

F. W. BALTHASER^- 

D. K. HOCH. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER I. 

Page. 

Those Who Were Here Before Us IT 

1. The Indians 17 

2. Tribes 17 

3. Some Things They Did 19 

4. How They Made Fire 21 

5. Wampum Was Their Money 22 

6. How They Lived 22 

7. How They Acted In the Woods . . 23 

8. Indian Boys and Girls 24 

9. Government and Laws 25 

10. Religious Beliefs 25 

1 1 . Marriage Customs 26 

12. List of Indian Words With Their Meaning 28 

CHAPTER II. 

Early Attempts to Make Homes 29 

1. The Dutch 29 

2. The Swedes 29 

3. The English 31 

4. William Penn 32 

a. Penn's Treaty With the Indians 35 

b. Penn's Work and Character 36 

5. The Germans 36 

6. The Redemptioners 37 

7. The Welsh 39 

8. Other Nationalities 40 

9. Three Great Groups 40 

CHAPTER III. 

Purchases and Organization 42 

1. Walking Purchase 12 

2. Other Purchases 43 

3. Petitions for a County 43 

4. Erection of the County 46 

5. Reductions of the County 40 



6 CONTENTS 

CHAPTER IV. 

Page. 

Conrad Weiser and Count Zinzendorf 47 

CHAPTER V. 

Border Warfare and Frontier Forts 54 

1. Tedysucung 54 

2. Trouble Along the Frontier 55 

3. Franklin Builds Forts 56 

4. A Line of Forts 56 

5. Fort Henry 56 

6. Fort Northkill 57 

7. Fort at Dietrick Snyder's 58 

8. Fort Lebanon or Fort William 58 

9. Fort Franklin 58 

10. Regina 59 

CHAPTER VI. 

Berks County's Records in the Nation's Wars 63 

1. The Revolution 63 

a. Jones' Company 63 

b. Joseph Hiester 64 

c. Hessian Prisoners at Reading 68 

d. Conway Cabal 67 

e. The Veterans 68 

f. Washington Visits Berks 69 

g. Fries' Rebellion 7 i 

h. The County Militia 71 

i. Militia at Valley Forge 72 

2. War of 1812 72 

a. Companies from Berks 72 

b. English Families at Reading 73 

3. Mexican War 73 

4. Civil War 74 

a. County Militia 74 

b. Berks County Responds to the Call 75 

c. Drafting Soldiers 76 

d. Excitement at Reading 77 



CONTENTS 7 

4. Civil War, Continued Page. 

e. The Veterans 77 

f. Companies from Berks 73 

5. War With Spain 81 

CHAPTER VII. 

Industrial Development 83 

1 . Colonial Life 83 

a. Homes 83 

b. Market Value of Articles About 1800 84 

c. Farming Implements 84 

d. Clothing 84 

e. The Iron Industry and Early Furnaces 85 

f. Burning Charcoal 87 

2. Rivers and Canals 88 

a. Early Navigation of the Schuylkill 88 

b. Union Canal 89 

c. Schuylkill Canal 91 

d. Value of Canals 92 

3. Turnpikes and Other Roads 92 

a. Tulpehocken Road 92 

b. Berks and Dauphin Turnpike 93 

c. Maidencreek or Easton Road 94 

d. Centre Turnpike 94 

e. Oley Road 94 

f. Perkiomen Turnpike 95 

g. Schuylkill Road 95 

h. Other Early Roads 95 

i. State Highways 95 

4. Stages and Stage Lines «)•; 

5. Railroads 97 

a. Philadelphia and Reading 97 

b. Lebanon Valley 98 

c. East Penn 99 

d. Reading and Columbia 99 

e. Wilmington and Northern 99 

f . Colebrookdale 1 00 



6 CONTENTS 

5. Railroads. Continued Page. 

g. Schuylkill and Lehigh 100 

h. Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley 100 

i. Allentown , 101 

j. Other Railroads 101 

6. Trolley Roads 102 

7. Scenic Roads 103 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Education 104 

1. Parochial Schools 104 

2. Quaker Schools 105 

3. Catholic Sch< >ols 106 

4. Moravian Schools 106 

5. Pay Schools 106 

6. Charity Schools 101 

~ t . Free Schools 107 

8. Free School Act of 1834 ■ 109 

9. Farly School Buildings and Furnishings 109 

10. School Exercises 112 

11. Keystone State Normal School 113 

12. Academies 113 

13. County Superintendents 115 

a. William A. Good 115 

b. John Ermentrout 116 

c. David B. Brunner 116 

d. Samuel A. Baer 117 

e. David S. Keck 117 

f. William M. Zechman 117 

g. Eli M. Rapp 113 

CHAPTER IX. 

Government 120 

1 . Finances 120 

a. Kinds of Taxes 120 

b. Levying the Taxes 121 

c. Collecting the Taxes 121 



CONTENTS 9 

Page. 
Party, Politics, Nominations and Elections 122 

a. Who May Vote 123 

b. Primary Elections 123 

c. General and Municipal Elections , . . .124 

d. Election Expenses 125 

Township, Borough and City Government 126 

a. The Township . 12G 

1. Justices of the Peace 126 

2. Constable 127 

3. Assessor 127 

4. Tax Collector 128 

5. School Directors 128 

6. Supervisors 129 

7. Auditors 129 

b. The Borough 130 

1. Reasons for Borough Government 130 

2. Borough Council 130 

3. Chief Burgess 130 

4. Other Borough Officers 131 

c. The City 131 

1. The Mayor 131 

2. City Council 132 

3. City Controller 132 

4. City Treasurer 132 

5. Aldermen 132 

6. Other City Offices 132 

7. School Controllers 132 

County Government 132 

a. Officers 133 

1. County Commissioners 133 

2. Sheriff 134 

3. Coroner 134 

4. Prothonotary 135 

5. County Treasurer 135 

6. Recorder of Deeds 135 

7. Register of Wills 136 



10 CONTENTS 

4. County Government, Continued Page. 

8. Clerk of Quarter Sessions 137 

9. District Attorney 137 

10. Jury Commissioners 138 

11. Prison Inspectors 138 

12. Directors of the Poor 138 

13. County Controller 138 

14. County Surveyor 138 

15. Mercantile Appraiser 138 

16. County Solicitor 138 

b. The County's Relation to the Courts 138 

1. Kinds of Courts 139 

2. The J udges 140 

3. Juries 140 

4. Accusation and Trial in the Criminal Courts.. 140 

5. Manner of Conducting Civil Cases 142 

CHAPTER X. 

Geography 143 

1. Mountains 143 

2. Rivers and Valleys 14G 

3. Minerals 146 

4. Caves 147 

a. Crystal Cave 147 

b. Dragon Cave 148 

c. Other Caves 149 

5. Divisions of the County 150 

6. Charitable Institutions 151 

7. Weather Bureau 152 

8. Some Leading Facts 1 52 

9. Post Offices 152 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Townships L53 

1. Albany 153 

2. Alsace 155 

3. Lower Alsace 157 

4. Amitv 158 



CONTENTS 11 

Page. 

5. Bern 159 

6. Upper Bern 160 

?. Bethel 162 

8. Brecknock 161 

9. Caernarvon 164 

10. Centre 166 

11. Colebrookdale 168 

12. Cumru 169 

13. District 171 

14. Douglass 172 

15. Earl 173 

16. Exeter 174 

17. Greenwich 176 

18. Heidelberg 178 

19. North Heidelberg 179 

20. Lower Heidelberg 180 

21 . Hereford 181 

22. Jefferson 182 

23. Longswamp 183 

24. Maidencreek 184 

25. Marion 186 

26. Maxatawny 188 

2^ . Muhlenberg 190 

28. Oley 192 

29. Ontelaunee 195 

30. Penn 195 

31. Perry 196 

32. Pike 198 

33. Richmond 19!) 

34. Robeson 200 

35. Rockland 202 

36. Ruscombmanor 203 

3; . Spring 204 

38. Tilden 205 

39. Tulpehocken 206 

40. Upper Tulpeh< >cken 20^ 



12 CONTENTS 

Page. 
' 41. Union 208 

42. Washington 208 

43. Windsor 209 

44-. Township Statistics 211 

CHAPTER XII. 
The Boroughs 212 

1. Bally 212 

2. Bechtelsville 212 

3. Bernville 213 

4. Birdsboro 214 

5. Boyertown 215 

6. Centreport 217 

7. Fleetwood 217 

8. Hamburg 219 

9. Kutztown 220 

10. Lenhartsville 221 

11. Mohnton 222 

12. Mount Penn 222 

13. Shillington 223 

14. Sinking Spring 223 

15. Topton 224 

16. West Leesport 226 

17. West Reading 226 

18. Womelsdorf 227 

19. Wyomissing 229 

20. Borough Statistics 231 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The City of Reading 232 

1. Early History— 1748 to 1783 232 

a. Prominent Buildings 232 

b. Industries 234 

c. Hunting and Fishing 235 

2. Reading as a Borough 236 

a. Water Company Organized 237 

b. Prominent Visitors 238 



ILLUSTRATIONS 13 

Page. 

3. Reading Today 239 

a. City Officials 240 

b. Sanitary Provisions 241 

c. Industrial Conditions 241 

d. Education 242 

4. Leading Facts — 1912 245 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Our National Flag 246 

CHAPTER XV. 
Public Officials 248 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Frontispiece : — Good, Ermentrout, Brunner, Baer, Keck, Zechman, 
Rapp. 

CHAPTER I. 
Indian Trap. 
Indian Chief. 
Kindling Fire. 
Corndigger. 
Indian Wigwam. 
Tomahawk. 
Pappoose. 
Squaw. 
Indian Cache fori Provisions. 

CHAPTER II. 
Mounce Jones' House. 
Oldest Gravestone. 
William Penn. 
Sara Maria. 

German Man and Woman, 
Pioneer Home. 



14 ILLUSTRATIONS 

CHAPTER III. 
Map of Pennsylvania, showing Berks in 1754. 

CHAPTER IV. 
Conrad Weiser. 
Weiser Home. 
Weiser Grave. 
Weiser Monument. 
Levan's Barn. 



CHAPTER V. 



Tedysucung. 
Port Northkill. 
Regina. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Joseph Hiester. 

Hessian Log House. 

Washington. 

Chair in Which Washington Sat. 

First Defenders' Monument. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Kitchen Fireplace. 

Fat Lamp. 

Tallow Candle. 

Carrying Fire. 

Old Plow. 

Spinning in Colonial House. 

Oldest Stove Made in County. 

Canal Boat. 

Conestoga Wagon. 

Pioneer Road. 

Milestone. 

Old Stage Coach. 

First Locomotive and Train. 

Horse Car. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 15 

CHAPTEE VIII. 

Parochial School. 

First School House in County. 

Eight-cornered School House. 

Old Wood Stove. 

Franklin Academy. 

Keystone State Normal School. 

Modern Township High School — Consolidated. 

CHAPTER X. 

Map of Berks County. 
Countv Linestone. 
Entrance to Crystal Cave. 

CHAPTER XI. 
Sawmill. 
Gristmill. 
Chapel Rocks. 
Carrying Corn to the Mill. 
Stone School House. 
Ney's Tavern. 
Fort Henry. 
Hand Mill. 
Grain Cradle. 
Lincoln Home. 
Boone Home. 
Scene Along the Sacony. 
Blue Rocks. 

Bethany Orphans' Home. 
Wernersville Asylum. 
Quaker Meeting House. 
Centennial Oak. 
Moravian Church. 
Shoemaker House. 
Old-time Mail Carrier. 
Octagonal Church. 



16 ILLUSTRATIONS 

White Bear Inn. 
Grosscup Home. 
Cider Press. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Grain House. 

Boyertown Mines. 

Log House. 

Pioneer House. 

Lutheran Orphans' Home. 

Wyomissing High School. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Map of Reading. 
Federal Inn. 
Old Court House. 
Old Penn Street Bridge. 
Present Court House. 
Askew Bridge. 
New Penn Street Bridge 
First School House. 
New Boys' High School. 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Birth of Our Flag. 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



CHAPTER I. 



THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US. 

Two hundred years ago few white people lived in what we 
now call Berks County. At that time it was the home of wild animals 
and savage Indians. Great forests of giant trees were found in its 
valleys and on most of its rugged hills. 

What wonderful changes we now see! The forests have nearly 
all been cut down. Humming mills, beautiful homes, rich farms now 
are found in its valleys; railroads have taken the place of the Indian 
paths, and its fertile fields are covered with rich crops of hay, grain 
and fruit. The savage Indians and wild animals are no longer seen; 
in their places we have civilized people and the much needed domes- 
tic animals. All these wonderful changes with many more have 
taken place in the short space of less than two hundred years. The 
story of how it all happened is as wonderful as a fairy tale, but it is 
true. We call it the story of Berks County. In order to understand 
this story fully, it will be necessary to know something of the causes 
which produced these great changes. 

The Indians. More than four hundred years have elapsed 
since civilized men of Europe first learned of the race of red men in 
North America whom they called Indians. Who these Indians were 
or whence they came no one can tell. 

When the white men first came here they were most numerous 
in the vicinity of the Delaware river, but there is no way of determin- 
ing hpw many of them there were. 

Tribes. The tribes that dwelt in what is now Berks County 
or roamed over its forest-covered hills and valleys called themselves 
the Lenni Lenape, or the original people. 



18 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The Lenni Lenape nation was divided into three principal tribes 
or divisions: the Unamis, or Turtle; the Unalachtgos, or Turkey; and 
the Monsey, or Wolf. The Turtle tribe occupied the country be- 
tween the seacoast and the Blue Mountains and their hunting grounds 
extended from the Hudson to the Potomac. Their name means 
"the people down the river.'' Their chief abode was on the Penn- 
sylvania side of the Delaware south of the Lehigh River. The sur- 
rounding tribes that did not belong to the Lenape Confederacy 
agreed that they were entitled to the honor of being called grand- 
fathers. As grandfathers they were supposed to have emigrated in 
a very remote time eastward from the Mississippi. In their travels 
eastward they are supposed to have conquered the builders of 
mounds that were numerous in the western valleys. 

The Turtle and Turkey tribes were known among the whites 
as Delaware Indians. They were conquered by the Iroquois in 1742, 
when most of them emigrated to the western part of the State. 
The Moravian Missionaries, who made special efforts to Christianize 
the Delawares, saw their procession, like a funeral train, pass through 
Lehigh Gap. 

The Wolf tribe was the fiercest and most warlike. They occupied 
the mountain regions at the headwaters of the Delaware and the 
Susquehanna Rivers. They held their principal council fires at the 
Minisink Flats on the banks of the Delaware just where it receives 
the waters of the Lehigh. Here they had extensive peach orchards. 

The Ljnalachtgos lived in the vicinity of Chesapeake Bay. Penn 
bought his land from the Turtle and Turkey tribes. 

The exact boundaries of the different tribes are not known. The 
Delawares occupied Berks County and the territory north and east. 
The Shawanese occupied the land along the Susquehanna in the 
vicinity of Harrisburg. The Conestoga Indians inhabited the land 
along the Conestoga Creek, extending through Caernarvon in Berks 
and through a part of Chester County. 

There were subdivisions of the various tribes, and these were 
known by the names of the streams near which they lived. Thus we 
have the Schuylkill, Sacunk, Manatawny, Tulpehocken and Maxa- 
tawnv Indians. 




THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US 19 

Occasionally tribes or parts of tribes migrated, owing to sickness 
or war. The Ganawese, who lived along the Potomac, and were 
reduced in numbers by sickness, by permission of the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, settled near Tulpehocken. The Conestoga guaranteed 
the good behavior of the Ganawese during their residence in this 
section. 

The Indians were fine specimens of physical men and women, 
yet to them the earth seems to have served no higher purpose than to 
be used as a happy hunting ground, for at no point have they left any 
definite and lasting impressions. 

They were able to endure great hardships. 

Their sharp eyes enabled them to find their 

l] way through the forest by signs of which the 

white men would take no notice. Their chief 

occupations were hunting, fishing and fighting, 

indian trap. though they also liked to dance and run races. 

Some tnings they did. They made pots of clay mixed with 
powdered mussel shells burned in fire. In these they prepared their 
food. The trees they burned down, then used them for firewood. 
Their boats were made of the bark of cedar and birch trees bound 
together with stout straps of bark. These boats they often carried 
along when they went on a journey, using them to cross or sail up or 
down a stream. Boats were also made out of cedar trees of which 
they burned out the inside, scraping off the coals with sharpened 
stones or mussel shells. 

The men and women dressed in skins and under garments made 
of wild hemp. Hemp was also made into twine, knit together with 
the pointed ends of feathers to form blankets. They made their 
bows as long as themselves ; the bowstrings of the sinews of animals 
killed in the chase ; and the arrows of reed about five feet long. At 
one end of this reed they fixed a piece of hard wood into which they 
made a hole to fit the head of the arrow. The arrow head consisted 
of flint stone, hard bone, horn or the teeth of large fish. 

The head was glued into the end of the arrow so securely that 
water could not affect it, and at the opposite end they put feathers. 
In the abandoned corn fields grew hemp from which their ropes, 



20 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



bridles anci nets were made. Pestles about one foot long were used 
to grind or pound their corn. The first windmills that ground corn 
surprised them very much. 

Their tobacco pipes had stems as long as a man. These pipes 
and immense bowls were generally given to friends who came to visit 
them, and were expected to be smoked out before the visit ended. 
The bowls were made of horn, red, yellow or blue baked clay, or of 
stone that was so soft that it could be cut and scraped with a hard 
shell. They also made mats of fine roots and these they painted 
with all kinds of figures. 

The}- painted their faces red. Those who were most famous had 
their bodies painted also. The men allowed only a tuft of hair to 

grow upon the tops of their heads; 
the rest was pulled out by the roots 
as soon as it appeared; so they were 
beardless as well as bald. On theii 
faces, hands and breasts were fig- 
ures according to their individual 
fancies. These were made by prick- 
ing the skin with thorns and rub- 
bing the bleeding parts with char- 
coal. The black of the coal entered 
the holes made by the thorns and 
left marks that remained for life. 
Upon their feet they wore shoes 
made of skins tied together with 
strips of skin. The men often snt 
their ears and put something into 
the opening to prevent the parts 
from growing together, then hung a weight to the lower part so that 
it hung down the side of the neck like a large ring. 

When an Indian killed an enemy he scalped him. This was done 
by cutting the skin around the head just below the hair, placing 
the* knee upon the victim's neck and rudely pulling by the hair 
until the scalp came off. The whole operation was often performed 
in a minute and was usually fatal, but not always. The scalp was 
painted red and placed upon a pole as a token of victory. He was 




AN INDIAN CHIEF. 



THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US 



21 



considered the greatest warrior who had the greatest number of 
scalps dangling from his belt. 

When traveling or lying in wait for their enemies they made 
their bread of Indian corn and tobacco juice because they believed 

this would satisfy their hunger 
and quench their thirst when 
nothing else was at hand. Be- 
sides corn, they raised beans and 
pumpkins. 

The}- usually ate but twice 

a day, morning and afternoon, 

but used no tables or chairs. 

Their meats were either broiled, 

dried in the sun, or smoked. 

Their bread was made of Indian 

corn, which they crushed between 

two large stones or upon a large 

piece of wood. The meal was 

moistened with water, made into 

small cakes, wrapped in corn 

leaves and baked in the ashes. 

It was called hominy. 

Before the white men came the Indians drank nothing but 

water, but after coming into contact with the whites they soon 

learned to drink strong liquors, becoming especially fond of rum. 

For it they would often exchange their choicest furs or skins. 

How they made fire. How they learned the art of making fire 
is a mystery. Their fire stick consisted of two pieces. The horizontal 
one was about two or three inches wide and from eighteen inches 
to two feet long and about one inch thick. The upright piece was 
usually about two feet long- and about one-half inch in diameter. 
The horizontal stick was made of soft, dry wood, frequently 
juniper, and the upright piece of the hardest wood they could find. 

To make a fire they placed the horizontal piece upon the ground 
and placed the hard rounded end of the upright piece upon it. Then 




INDIAN CACHE FOR PROVISIONS. 



22 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




INDIAN KINDLING FIRE. 



taking the upright piece between the palms of 
the hands, or by a method as shown in the 
illustration, they gave it a swift turning mo- 
tion and the friction caused heat. The turning 
of the upright piece wore loose particles of 
the horizontal piece, and these particles be- 
came so hot that they began to smoulder. 
As the constant use wore the hole in the hori- 
zontal piece deeper and deeper a small nick 
was cut into it so that the upright stick could 
work the ignited particles of powder out of 
the nick upon a piece of punk or some mate- 
rial that would burn rather easily. From 
this the fire was started by blowing it. Fire 
was necessary in their northern homes and they no doubt took good 
care to keep it from going out, since the task of relighting it was 
not easy. 

Wampum was their money. For money they used a kind of 
bead made of shells, using the white, black or colored parts. These 
beads were formed into cylinders one-fourth of an inch long and one- 
fourth of an inch in diameter. A small hole was made through them 
lengthwise. They were then placed upon strings. 

By arranging them properly the belts contained figures and 
pictures of animals according to the purpose for which they were 
made. They were used in treaties and served to assist the memory in 
retaining the conditions agreed upon. These beads were their riches. 
The peace belts or war belts varied in size according to the importance 
of the event they were made to commemorate. At times strings of 
such beads were worn about the neck and wrist for ornaments. They 
called these collections of beads wampum. 

How they lived. Their way of living was very simple. Plenty 
of fish were in the streams and lakes. In the forest abounded deer, 
foxes, bears, wild turkeys and other game which they killed with 
their bows and arrows. They could gather all kinds of berries and 
wild fruits and when all else failed they could dig up roots and eat 
them. They did not plan for the future, so they frequently suffered 



THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US 



23 




for want of food and very 
often many of them starved 
to death. They cultivated the 

- CORN DIGGER. ^^ ^ fl s0rt of ^ 

made from the shoulder blade of a deer or of a tortoise shell which, 
having been sharpened with stones, was fastened to a stick. They 
made axes with stones fastened to a stick and these were used to 
fell the trees where they intended to plant corn. 

They seldom had towns or fixed homes, generally living 
in the part of the country in which they could most easily procure 
food. In the spring and summer they preferred the banks of the 
Schuylkill and its branches where they could find plenty of fish. In 
the winter they went further into the country where the animals were 
more plentiful. 

As very many Indian relics have been found in the neighborhood 
of Virginville and Poplar Neck, it is evident that their largest settle- 
ments in the county were these 
points. Thousands of Indian relics 
have been found at these places. 

Their movable huts or wig- 
wams were dens of filth and dirt. 
They built them by driving stakes 
into the ground and binding 
them together at the top, 
covering them with skins or 
mud. A bear skin usually 
served as a door. The fireplace 
was a hole in the ground, the 
chimney was a hole in the top. 
Their knowledge of the haunts 




AN INDIAN WIGWAM. 

How they acted in the woods, 



and habits of animals was astonishing. They could gobble like a 
wild turkey, whistle like a bird and bark like a wolf so perfectly that 
they could deceive even these creatures themselves. It was seldom 
that the keenest animal could escape the Indians' cunning and 
craftiness. 

When not on an extended chase, the Indian would leave at 
breakfast, and when he returned with a bear or a deer, his wife or 



24 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




squaw, was proud of him and served him well. She cut and brought 
the fire wood, pounded the corn with stones and baked his bread in 
the as'hes. 

No one was compelled to go to war, but he who was young and 
able was hated if he refused to do so. He was chief who could reach 
and hold that place by showing superior heroism, greatest bravery, 
and the largest number of scalps. They assassinated their enemies 
but never fought them openly, if they could avoid it. They would 

hide in a ravine, lurk in a hole, crouch 
behind a stone until their enemies would 
come near enough, when they would 
spring upon them with a ferocious yell, 
tomahawk. so piercing and so heart-rending as to 

paralyze an ordinary victim. When captured by an enemy, they 
would allow their bodies to be burned or pierced without leaving a 
cry of pain escape them, and they would sing their death songs to 
the end. Their hideous warwhoop was terrible and was almost sure 
to stun the victim before he was touched. 

Indian boys and girls. Indian children were called pappooses. 
When a child was born it was washed in cold water to harden it. 
Perm, in one of his letters, said that an Indian child was invariably 
wrapped in a blanket laid upon a thin board somewhat larger than 
the child. Then they fastened the board to the child to make him 
grow straight. Attached to these boards, they 
were often hung from trees to swing in the 
air. The children never went to school. The 
boys learned to hunt in the woods with the 
men. When they had given proof of their 
power and skill by having collected a large 
number of skins of animals they killed, thev 
were considered fit to be married. 

The girls learned the Indian ways ot 
housekeeping from their mothers. They 
helped to hoe the ground, to dress the skins, 
and. to carry the loads for their mothers while 

SQUAW WITH PAPPOOSE. mQving Wben a „ Im]iail maiden wag CQn _ 

sidered old enough to be married she wore something upon her 




THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US 25 

head to indicate this. She usually covered her face so that she 
could be seen only when she chose to expose herself. Most girls 
were married when from thirteen to fourteen years of age. 

The women or squaws remained at home when the men went 
fshing or hunting; they took care of the fields; ground the corn 
and dressed the skins; and, when the family moved from place to 
place, they carried the load. 

Government and laws. Their king was called Sachem. The 
line of succession was always on the mother's side. Every king had 
his council, which consisted of all of the old and wise men of the 
tribe. Nothing of importance was done without consulting them. 
In important things the young men were included in the council. 
In deciding upon war, peace, or selling land, the king sat in the 
middle of a half moon with the members of his council around him. 
Behind the old and wise men, at a little distance, sat the young men. 
It was the Indian custom to talk and consider quite long in their 
council before they acted. During the time that any one was speak- 
ing not a man of the council was observed to whisper or smile. The 
speakers usually said very little but spoke earnestly and elegantly. 
Penn said, "He will be a wise man who outwits them in any treaty 
about a thing they understand." 

As they never acquired the art of writing they had no history. 
The legends and myths of the tribe were handed down from genera- 
tion to generation by the fathers who sat around the fire in the 
evening with their families and friends. Again and again would they 
tell the stories relating to their own deeds of valor in the chase or 
on the battle-field; over and over would they tell the legends and 
traditions relating to their own tribe as they learned them from their 
grandfathers while smoking the pipe. 

The aged were always favored by the young who sought their 
company and advice. In travel the older ones usually went on 
horseback or by canoe. They assembled annually that the aged 
might tell to the grandchildren the things that had happened to the 
tribe and talk of the treaties that had been made. 

Religious beliefs and customs. When sick they would pay 
anything to their medicine men to be cured. If any of them died 
they were buried with their own clothing, and the nearest relative 



26 THE STORY OF BERKS COUKTY 

would throw into the grave some valuable thing in token of love. 
Those in mourning would blacken their faces and keep them so for 
a year. They selected the choicest places for their graves, kept 
them free from grass and shaped the ground into mounds with great 
exactness. 

They believed in a great spirit who governed the world and con- 
trolled all things in nature. They believed that there would be for 
all a future life on a happy hunting ground on which all would live, 
sorrow free, very much as they did in the earthly life. They thought 
that spirits lived in animals and everything; they peopled the water 
and the air and the woods with imaginary spirits of which they lived 
in constant dread. 

They worshipped the sun, the moon and the Great Spirit, but 
they never believed that their future conduct or condition could in 
any way depend upon their actions of the past. When they wanted 
the assistance of the Great Spirit very urgently, they often burned or 
tortured themselves to invoke sympathy. They often prayed for 
success in any enterprise, even though it was to steal, burn or murder. 
The Indian acted according to the custom of his tribe and felt no pity 
in torturing his enemy to death. 

The Great Spirit was always considered their friend, but they 
thought there were smaller deities whose anger had to be avoided 
by worshipping them. Their religious services were always to keep 
the lesser Gods from becoming angry. They believed that all brave 
warriors and chaste women would meet their friends and ancestors 
and for this reason they dressed their dead in their best garments. 
Some of their dead were hung upon scaffolds from the brandies of 
trees, others were put into the water, yet others were buried and not 
a few were cremated. 

Marriage customs. Their marriage customs were peculiar. 
When a young Indian decided that he wanted a particular girl, 
his mother went to the girl's mother with a leg of venison or 
bear meat, telling the girl that her son killed it. If the girl and 
her family were willing that the marriage should take place, the 
girl's mother would take a piece of meat to the young man's 
mother and presenting it would say, "This is from my daugh- 
ter who prepared it." After this the young people worked and fished 



THOSE WHO WERE HERE BEFORE US 27 

together for some days during which the happy lover wooed his dusky 
mate of the forest, each being dressed in robes of feathers and skins 
of wild animals. When an Indian had no mother he himself told the 
girl of his wish and, if she was willing, she went with him. 

They remained married only as long as they pleased each other. 
The true warrior would leave rather than quarrel with his squaw. 
He would seldom stay away long enough to have his neighbors 
notice his absence. If he left a second time he seldom returned. 

Some of the most beautiful stories are told about these dwellers 
of the woods and many of our grandfathers, even to this day. 
entertain their grandchildren with the tales of the red children. 

The scene of a pretty Indian romance is laid in Albany Township 
along the northern border of the county, where the mountains rise 
for many feet and end in a sharp ridge, as if they were to be used 
for cutting the sky. One point, higher than the rest, sits upon this 
ridge like a mighty steeple. 

At the foot of the peak Towkee sat one afternoon, his cheeks 
flushed with the bloom of health and aglow with the redness of 
exercise and with eyes bright with a hope he yet hardly dared to 
•dream. He was a young warrior who for days had been searching 
for the graceful deer that now lay lifeless at his feet. Long and 
patiently had he waited and searched until finally he had succeeded. 
Eye more keen and hand more true had never guided an arrow than 
that with which he had that afternoon pierced the heart of the deer, 
whose capture so stirred his pride and increased his joy. 

Now he had the venison he was looking for. This night he 
would take it to the south, to his home on the Ontelaunee. To- 
morrow his mother would take some of it to the home of Oneeda and 
say to her folks, "Here is some venison of a graceful young deer, 
which my brave, young son so skillfully captured." Then, to be sure, 
her folks would collect in their wigwam to smoke a pipe of peace. 
A'h ! what joy would then be his. In his bright visions he saw himself 
and Oneeda sport happily through love's sunny morning and live 
joyfully through life's golden afternoon. Alas, the illusions of hope ! 
It might not be. No delicious venison prepared by the hand of his 
betrothed was ever to be returned. No happy rambles in the sand- 
bottomed brooks to angle the silvery trout from their torrents. No 



28 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

blissful journeys with his chosen sweetheart to the mountain tops to 
gather the sun-kissed berries. The rugged old chief, Oneeda's 
father, said "No," and both were heart-broken. If they could not 
live together they at least could die together. A few nights there- 
after, a cry like a muffled shriek rang from the mouth of a cave, and 
from the summit of Round Top there stared a flaming dragon which 
looked like a huge bundle of straw all aflame, that shot across the 
sky to the mouth of what has since been called Dragon Cave. 

The bodies of Towkee and Oneeda later were found upon the altar 
in the grotto. Ever since sadly the sounds ring and re-echo through 
the grotto when the altar is struck. On many a night, says the legend, 
has the bushy fiery dragon been seen to fly from the mountain peak 
across to the cave where is always its landing. 

Xo word must be said while the dragon of fire is passing, .or 
instantly it will disappear. Yet like a rainbow of promise it again will 
appear to tell the fate of Oneeda and Towkee. 

List of Indian Words With Their Meaning. 
Allegheny — Fair water — Allegheny. 
Ganshowehanne — Tumbling stream — Schuylkill. 
Gokhosing — Place of owls — Cacoosing. 
Kau-ta-tin-chunk — Endless — Blue Mountain. 
Lechauweki — Place of forks — South Mountain. 
Machksithanne — Pear's path creek — Maxatawny. 
Maschilamehanne— Trout stream — Moselem. 
Manakesse — Stream with large beds — Monocacy. 
Menhaltanink — Where we drank liquor — Manatawny. 
Xavesink — Place of fishing- — Xeversink. 
( )link— Hole— Oley. 

Ontelaunee — Little maiden — Maiden Creek. 
Pakihmomjnk — Place of cranberries — Perkiomcn. 
Sakunk — Place of outlet — Sacony. 
Sinne-hanne — Stony stream — Stony Creek. 
Sipuas-hanne — A plum stream — Plum Creek. 
Tamaque-hanne — Reaver stream — Reaver Creek. 
Tulpewihaki — Land of turtles — Tulpehocken. 
Wyomissing — Place of flats — W Xomissing. 



CHAPTER II. 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES. 

The Dutch. After Columbus had discovered the western con- 
tinent, John and Sebastian Cabot, natives of Venice, explored the 
coast of North America from Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. They 
obtained from King Henry VII a commission to sail into the eastern, 
western or northern seas with a fleet of five ships at their own ex- 
pense. They were to plant the flag of England on all lands found 
and occupy them for the English crown. Many other men sailed 
about the same time with the special object of extending the domin- 
ions of their "gracious sovereigns" and of opening new routes for 
securing trade and wealth. 

In 1009, Henry Hudson, an English navigator in the service of 
the Dutch East India Company, explored the Atlantic coast from 
the Chesapeake Bay to Maine. It was on the strength of this dis- 
covery that the Dutch laid claim to the land along the Delaware 
and Hudson Rivers and called it New Amsterdam. Berks County 
was included in this claim. 

He made extensive maps of the shore, traded with the Indians 
for sables, furs, robes and other skins. He reported that he saw a 
land rich in soil, mild in climate, abounding in rich game and fish 
and valuable lumber. Settlements were made as early as 1030. along 
the Delaware Bay and River, from which the Dutch went to col- 
lect furs. 

They were shrewd traders and sent out purchasing agents who 
bought from the Indians the land along the Delaware Bay and 
River far into the interior. The trappers came up the Schuylkill. 
The Dutch thus claimed this region by discovery, purchase and 
settlement. 

The Swedes. About the same time a company was formed in 
Sweden to operate on the banks of the Delaware and its branches. 
Peter Minuet, who was dismissed from the employ of the Dutch, 
offered his service to this company. The company purchased from 
the Indians all the land between the Delaware and Susquehanna 
Rivers, including what is now Berks County. In these purchases both 
parties set their marks and names under the contract. When the 



30 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



chief signed such an agreement it was an indication that it was clone 
in the presence of a number of his people. Payments were made in 
awls, needles, scissors, knives, axes, guns, powder, balls and blankets. 
Skins of bears, lynxes, beavers and raccoons, sables, foxes, wildcats 
and deer were also given in exchange. In one year they shipped 




OLDEST HOUSE IN BERKS COUNTY, DOUGLASSVILLE, PA. 

thirty thousand skins which were procured between the Schuylkill 
and the .Susquehanna, though no one can tell how many were taken 
from our county. 

The first Swedes to enter the county to make homes was a 
company of settlers under the leadership of Andrew Rudman. They 
settled along the Schuylkill several miles above the mouth of the 

Manatawny Creek in 1701. Soon 
after this, 10,500 acres of land 
were surveyed and laid out for 
them. Their descendants have 
remained in this locality ever 
since. A building erected by 
Alounce Jones in 1716 is still 

THE OLDEST GRAVESTONE IN BERKS , ,• r\ 1 M1« T* 

county, graveyard of st. gab- standing near Douglassville. It 

RIEL'S Morlattan) P. E. CHURCH. • ,, „1J«„*. u.«;ij;.,„ :„ +V,~ 

douglassville, pa. is the oldest budding in the 







EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 31 

county. They were Lutherans and built the first house for religious 
worship in the county. In the cemetery adjoining can still be seen 
the first gravestone erected in the county. 

The early Swedes established friendly terms with the Indians 
and made possible those acts of Penn that are regarded among the 
greatest of human deeds. The first translation of a religious book 
of any kind into the Indian language was a Swedish catechism 
translated by Rev. John Campannus. They established regulations 
and usages that have exercised a refining and elevating influence 
in shaping the morals and habits of the community. One of their 
descendants very fittingly said: "Freely have we received, freely may 
we give until all nations, kindreds, tribes and tongues be gathered 
into one grand kingdom under one king, the common Redeemer 
and Saviour of all." 

The English. William Penn, a young Englishman, who against 
the wishes of his family, became a member of the religious denomi- 
nation, known as the Quakers, was anxious to establish a place of 
refuge for those of his faith, who were persecuted in England. 

In order to try his "holy experiment" he tried to secure land 
west of the Delaware River. The King of England owed his father, 
Admiral Penn, sixteen thousand pounds, or about $80,000, and at 
the father's death the son inherited the claim. At Penn's request. 
King Charles granted him forty thousand square miles of land in 
America to pay for the claim. To this Penn wished to give the name 
Sylvania, which means forest ; but the King prefixed Penn, in honor 
of Admiral Penn. His province was a vast forest region, rich in 
soil and minerals. The first English settlement was made at Bristol, 
Bucks County. 

Penn drew up a code of laws and sent his cousin, William Mark- 
ham, to take possession of Pennsylvania for him. Mark'ham 
purchased from the Indians all the land lying along the Delaware 
River to the Blue Mountains. Berks County was included in this 
tract The following is what Markham gave the Indians for the 
whole tract : 

"350 ffathoms of Wampum, 20 white Blankits, 20 ffathoms of 
Strawed waters, 00 ffathoms of Duffields, 20 kettles, 4 thereof large, 



32 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

20 gunns, 20 Coates, 40 Shirts. 40 payre of stockings, 40 Howes, 40 
axes, 2 barrels of powder, 200 barrels of lead, 200 Knives, 200 small 
Glasses, 12 payre of shoes, 40 copper Boxes, 40 Tobacco Tonngs, 2 
small Barrels of Pipes, 40 payre of Scissors, 40 Combs 24 pounds 
Red Lead, 100 Anles, 2 handfulls of ffishhooks, 2 handfulls of Needles, 
40 Pound of Shott, 10 bundles of Beads, 10 small saws, 12 Drawing 
Knives, 4 anchers of Tobacco, 2 anchers of Syder, 2 anchers of Beere 
and 300 Guilders." 

Penn himself arrived in the colony Oct. 27, 1682. In addition 
to the three lower counties, which now form the State of Delaware, 
he laid out three more counties ; Philadelphia, which included the 
present county of Montgomery and a portion of Berks ; Berks, that 
is on the east side of the river ; Chester, which included that part of 
Berks on the west side of the Schuylkill, and Bucks, with its 
boundaries nearly as at present. Philadelphia and Chester Counties 
as then organized extended to the northern border of the State. 

It was shortly before 1720 that English emigrants arrived for 
settlement in our county. Some of them settled in the eastern sec- 
tion along Oley and the Manatawny; others in the western section 
along the Monocacy and the Schuylkill. As soon as the lands were 
released by the Indians, they also made settlements in the vicinity 
of Hay and Allegheny Creeks. Most of them were Friends or 
Quakers and meeting houses were about the first buildings they 
erected. During the days when the Perms were in power, the 
Quakers were the leaders. Thev sent the representatives to the 
council, did the surveying, acted as justices of the peace, and held 
the influential places. Before the Revolution the Englis'h were the 
leaders in colonial affairs. Since that time the same may be said 
of the Germans. The Friends, the Moravians, and the Schwenk- 
felders were opposed to war. The success of the Americans in the 
Revolution greatly increased the influence of the Germans and to 
the same extent decreased that of the English. The Germans fur- 
nished the farmers and the fighters of the Revolution and its 
success made them and not the Englis'h the men who controlled affair. 

William Penn. Penn was born Oct. 14, 1644, in London. As 
a child he was bright, thoughtful and handsome. In his fifteenth 
year he was admitted into Christ Church College. Oxford. 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 



33 




WILLIAM PENN. 



Before going- to college he had listened to a preacher named 

Thomas Leo, of the Society of 
Friends. He often talked of a 
strange light which shone with- 
in him and gave him peace of 
mind. Among his classmates 
in college he found boys who 
sympathized with 'his views and 
a number of them "withdrew 
from the national way of wor- 
ship" and held private meet- 
ings for the exercise of religion 
where they preached and 
prayed among themselves. 

This bold opposition to the 
forms of the state church 
aroused the professors of the University and he and his companions 
were sent home in disgrace. 

The father regarded the son's expulsion as a crushing stroke 
that would hinder the career of wealth and influence in store for 
the boy of whom he felt so proud. After having used the "force 
of persuasion upon his mind and the severity of stripes upon his 
"body" without success, the father in a fit of rage and despair turned 
him out of the house. 

He soon relented, however, and the son was sent to France 
where he mastered the French language. He next visited Italy and 
at the breaking out of the war between England and Holland was 
•obliged to return to England to take care of his father's estates. 

It was in 1644, when Penn was in fiis twentieth year, that he made 
the choice of his life. His father's favor, his mother's pleadings, his 
lively and active disposition, his training and his accomplishments, 
the respect and esteem of his friends, all pressed upon him to em- 
brace the glory, pleasures, and wealth of the world. He was, how- 
ever, able to overcome all opposition and "pursue his religious 
prospects." 



34 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

At twenty-four 'he was fearless in advocating freedom of speech 
and freedom of religion. He struggled for liberty of conscience, 
tried to secure for the persecuted better quarters than stocks, whips, 
dungeons, and banishment, and in the heyday of his youth, he was 
confined to the Tower. When offered freedom, favor, and royal 
preferment he demanded his liberty as the "natural privilege of 
an Englishman/' "Club law," he said, "might make hypocrites, 
it could nev£r make converts. Xot all the powers of earth shall 
divert us from meeting to adore our God who made us," he 
declared in defiance of all the laws of England, and amidst all 
opposition he proceeded to plead for the fundamental laws of 
England in a trial for his freedom that marked an era in judicial 
history and court trials. "You are a gentleman," said a magis- 
trate at the trial, "you have a plentiful estate, why should you 
render yourself unhappy by associating with such plain people?" 
"I prefer," said Penn, "the honestly simple to the ingeniously 
wicked." 

After a lengthy trial the jury brought in a verdict of "not 
guilty," which was contrary to the wishes of the Judge, who 
fined each juror forty marks and sentenced them to imprison- 
ment until the fine should be paid. The Judge accused them of 
following their own judgment instead of the advice of the court. 

Penn came to the banks of the Delaware to plant a colony in 
which his brethren, the Quakers, could exercise religious liberty, 
to establish a new kind of government and to get payment for 
the debt due his father by the King of England. 

He expected so many Quaker emigrants that they could set 
their stamp upon the new colony and make it according to their 
democratic and peaceful principles. It was a kind of govern- 
ment in advance of anything the world had yet seen. It was to 
insure religious liberty, allow all men to vote, insure people 
against oppression, simplify legal processes and form a moral 
state. In order to show that the governors of the province re- 
mained true to the king of England, they were each year to give 
the king- two beaver skins and one-fifth of the gold and silver 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 35 

that might be discovered. The king little dreamed that the rich- 
est treasures of Pennsylvania were her forests, her fertile soil, 
her iron, her oil and her coal. 

The articles of the grant by which the king gave Penn his 
claim to Pennsylvania were signed March 4, 1661. Each line was 
underscored with red ink and the margins were decorated with 
drawings. They are now hanging in the office of the Secretary 
of the Commonwealth at PJarrisburg. 

Penn's treaty with the Indians. Soon after Penn's arrival in his 
new colony he sent an invitation to each of the Indian tribes to 
meet him at Shackamaxon, a short distance north of Philadelphia. 
He went up the Delaware in an open boat in early November 
when the trees on the banks of the river were clothed in brilliant 
autumn foliage. When he arrived at the appointed place he found 
the forest filled with red men. 

The Indians sat in a semicircle on the ground, while Penn, 
with a few friends dressed as Quakers, talked to them as friends 
and brothers in the name of the Great Spirit. 

The Indian chiefs sat in front with their advisors ; behind 
them sat the young men and warriors; and beyond these sat the 
women. The Great Chief, Tominend, the most royal looking of 
them all, sat in the center of this gathering, and was the leader 
and spokesman who talked to Penn through an interpreter. He 
had on his head a crown upon which was fixed a bufTalo horn. 
This was a sign of power which made the place sacred and the 
persons secure. Xo historian has found an authentic record of 
this treaty, but all are willing to consider it as one of the most 
glorious that has ever been made. 

They agreed with each other to live as brothers ; the Indians 
to live in love with Penn and his children as long as the sun and 
moon should give light. No written words were taken and no 
oath was required. The treaty was kept unbroken until long 
after those who had made it had passed away. When in later 
years an Indian wished to give the highest praise to a white man 
he would say, "He is like William Penn." 



36 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The elm tree under which the treaty was made was blown 
down in 1810 and a beautiful monument now marks the spot. 

Penn's work and character. After the treaty with the Indians 
Penn arranged a wise government for his colony. The Germans, the 
Swedes and the Dutch came in great numbers. Penn was in the 
colony for several years only. While in England he lost his wife, 
his eldest son and his fortune. During his long stay his colony 
forgot their love for "Father Penn" and, though he was grieved at 
their coolness toward him, he gave them the best government that 
was to be found in the colonies. 

He died thirty-seven years after the colony had been founded, 
having spent but four of these years in America. His colony he willed 
to his three sons, John, Thomas and Richard, and these, with their 
successors, held it until the Revolution. 

The Germans. Penn offered religious freedom to all who were 
oppressed and his colony soon became the asylum for those who 
were persecuted. Penn's mother was a German and he, in company 
with George Fox and several others, went to Germany, preaching 
the Quaker doctrine of "inner light" and advertising for colonists for 
the ''holy experiment." The Mennonites in the Rhine countries had 
been persecuted for centuries, and they decided to brave the dangers 
of the sea for a land of freedom of conscience. They had already 
settled Germantown before Penn arrived. 

Francis Daniel Pastorious, Whittier's "Pennsylvania Pilgrim," 
for a long time lived in a cave. He was a well educated man who 
could read six or seven languages and knew science, philosophy and 
religion. William Rittenhouse, in 1090, built the first paper mill in 
America. 

Those of the Germans who were mechanics were good ones. 
When an apprentice had completed his trade, before he could set up 
a business of his own in any location, he had to travel from place to 
place. This gave him an opportunity to learn to know people and 
to become skilled in his trade. They were experienced hands in 
various employments and had much to do with the prosperity of the 
county. 

The first group of German settlers to reach Berks County arrived 
in Oley in 1712 and settled along the Manatawny Creek. These 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 



87 




came northward on the east side of the 
Schuylkill from Germantown. Another 
group of German settlers entered the 
county from New York, coming south on 
the Susquehanna and eastward into the 
Tulpehocken section, settling in the 
vicinity of Womelsdorf. Among this 
group was Conrad Weiser, who had 
crossed the ocean in the ship Sara Maria 
with his father. By 1752 the Germans 
were far more numerous than all the other 
settlers combined. Though most numer- 
ous, as long as the Penns were in control, 
they did not exert the greatest influence. 
Many of these Germans were educated 
men, who had a knowledge of ancient and 
modern languages as well as art and music. 
sara maria. They made almanacs and school books. 

They settled the best lands and there built homes, churches and 
school houses. 

So many of the Germans came from Palatinate that the name 
Palatines was soon given to them all. Many of them were too poor 
to pay their passage across the sea. Children 
were often pledged in this way by their par- 
ents. They were thus bound to service for a 
term of years and were called Redemptioners. 
It was these Germans who were first to 
suggest the abolition of slavery in America. 
In 1688, under the direction of Pastorious, 
they sent a petition to the yearly meeting of 
Friends saying that it was un-Christian to buy 
and sell negroes. 

Many persons living in England, Ireland and 
Germany were poor. They learned of the "holy experiment" through 
Penn's advertising, but were too poor to pay their passage over the 
sea. Agents of various sailing companies would usually contract to 
bring them over, furnish them food for the voyage and whatever else 




GERMAN COUNTRY MAN 

AND WOMAN OF THAT 

TIME. 

Redemptioners. 



38 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

they might need, on condition that upon arrival in America the 
agents might have the right to sell their labor for a certain number 
of years to pay the cost of the transportation. Very many laborers 
were transferred in this way just before the Revolution. After the 
system had been in operation for some time, laws were passed mak- 
ing the matter legal. 

The amount paid varied. Some were sold for ten pounds at five 
years' service. Masters holding them were regarded as holding 
property that was subject to taxation. The usual terms of sale 
depended upon the health, strength-, age and ability of the party sold. 
Boys and girls had to serve from five to six years, or until they 
became twenty-one years of age. Children under five years of age 
could not be sold; they were given to whoever would agree to keep 
them until they were twenty-one. Humble, indeed, was the position 
which these redemptioners occupied, but from their ranks have 
sprung some of the most influential people of the state and the 
county. 

Some of the agents drove these redemptioners in gangs through 
the county to sell them to the farmers. A certain young Irishman 
one day managed to secure his freedom. He had schemed so that 
he was the last of the gang to be sold. He and his master stayed 
at a hotel. In the morning the Irishman got up, sold his master to 
the landlord, and put the money into his pocket. Before leaving 
he told the purchaser, that though rather clever in other respects, 
the fellow just bought was inclined to be saucy and an inveterate 
liar; that he had even at times tried to represent himself as master 
and might do so again. The old record does not say how the land- 
lord managed the saucy servant. 

The following is the case of another redemptioner: George 
Heckler was born in Germany, 1736. He was apprenticed to learn 
the tailoring trade; becoming free at eighteen, he decided to go to 
America. Being too poor to pay his passage, he was so'ld by the 
captain to serve three years as a redemptioner. At the end of three 
years he became a hired man and soon married the daughter of a 
well-to-do farmer, Peter Freed. In 1785 he purchased his father- 
in-law's farm of two hundred and fortv-t'hree acres for two thousand 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 



39 




A SETTLER'S HOME. 



pounds. His estate was valued at between thirty and forty thou- 
sand dollars at his death. 

The old court records reveal many similar cases, their number 
being somew'hat small owing to the fact that some of the Berks 

County farmers were far- 
ther removed from Phila- 
delphia and New York, 
the usual landing places. 
It was these and their de- 
scendants who cleared the 
forests, improved the soil, 
erected buildings, laid out 
the roads and became the 
fathers of the generation 
of men w r ho made Brandy- 
wine, Valley Forge and 
Yorktown possible, and 
left to us a glorious record of achievement that we may well try our 
best to imitate. 

The Welsh. Before 1700, the Welsh had purchased from Perm 
while in England, a tract of land containing 40,000 acres to be se- 
lected in Pennsylvania. They selected this tract on the west side of 
the Schuylkill. They came into Berks County from the south through 
Chester even before the tract had been purchased from the Indians. 
The territory was purchased from the Indians in 1752, and after this 
they came in large numbers. Before 1740 a large number of them 
had already made homes for themselves beyond the present county 
line. They were quite aggressive and three townships bear names 
that indicate Wels'h origin. They are Caernarvon, Cumru, and 
Brecknock. 

Considerable land was taken up by them along the Cacoosing 
and Wyomissing Creeks. Some of the tracts contained as high as 
twenty thousand acres. They used the water power of the streams 
to manufacture gun barrels, files, flour and oil. 

Their farms were south of South Mountain and west of the 
Schuylkill, though they gradually spread themselves farther and far- 



40 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

ther up the river during the fifty years that followed their first settle- 
ment. They were not active in politics, but aided greatly in the or- 
ganization of a new county. 

William Penn's doctor was a Welshman, named Thomas Winn, 
who came with Penn in the ship Welcome. Washington's doctor 
was his grandson. Many of the physicians of the colonies were 
Welsh. Most of them were either Friends or Baptists. Though 
at first they could not understand English the} - soon adopted the 
language and we have but few Welsh words in our English to-day, 
and but few places that have Welsh na.mes. 

Other nationalities. Many of the early immigrants were 
Huguenots, who had been encouraged by Penn to emigrate 
from France to Pennsylvania. Many of them settled east of 
the Schuylkill. They intended t i cultivate grapes "up the 
Schuylkill." but they went to Lancaster County where they were 
heartily welcomed by the Delaware Indians. It was the descend- 
ants of these families who settled in Berks Count}-. 

The Scotch-Irish were people who went from Scotland to 
Ireland. In religion the}' were Presbyterians and the}- came to 
Pennsylvania because of its religious liberty after the death of 
the Penns. They generally went to the west, while the Cermans 
went north. It was the Scotch-Irish who usually were between 
the settlers and the Indians and during the French and Indian war 
they had to face many a fatal attack. 

There were some negroes in colonial days. They were usual- 
ly in the service of the men who w^ere engaged in the iron busi- 
ness. 

Hebrews resided in Reading from its earliest days. They 
have been engaged almost exclusively in trading or business 
of S( ime kind. 

Three great groups. In all these studies as to where the vari- 
ous nationalities located, it must after all not be forgotten that 
these general facts relating to colonial settlements in Pennsyl- 
vania remain true. 

There are three great groups of people who laid the founda- 
tion of the future state These were the Quakers, the Germans 
and the Scotch-Irish. 



EARLY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE HOMES 41 

The Quakers confined themselves to Philadelphia and vicin- 
ity remaining within a radius of about thirty-five miles. They 
gave themselves up to manufacture and commerce in Philadelphia 
and agriculture in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks 
. Counties. Beyond the Quakers in a belt of about fifty or more 
miles we find the Germans, who were the successful farmers of 
Berks, Lancaster and Cumberland Counties. They built the 
schools and churches, cultivated the soil most successfully, and 
established many of the manufacturing industries in the Schuyl- 
kill valley. Thev also developed a most excellent German-Ameri- 
can Literature and had a home life that was largely influential in 
molding the ideals and the religious standard of later colonial 
days. 

Beyond the Germans, toward the valleys of the Blue and 
Allegheny Mountains, located the Scotch-Irish who were the 
sturdy pioneers on the verge of civilization. They repelled the 
Indian attacks and usually provoked them by their restless haste 
to possess the Indians' lands, also established Presbyterian 
churches and school houses in nearly every valley and upon many 
of the hills in the interior of the state. 

Whether w r e are descendants of the Swedes, the Germans, 
the French, the English or the Scotch-Irish, let us always be good 
citizens, with "The union of hearts and the union of hands, and 
i the flag of our Union forever!" 



CHAPTER III. 



PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATION. 

The territory included in Berks County was freed from the 
Indian claims principally by the purchase of 1732. There is one 
Indian sale that is especially important because of the effect it had in 
making the natives angry and dissatisfied ; a description of it follows : 

The walking purchase. In one of the purchases of land by 
Penn from the Indians it was agreed that the tract should extend as 
far as a man could walk in three days. To take this walk Penn set 
out with several of his friends and a number of Indian chiefs. At 
the end of a day and a half they had gone thirty miles. Near the 
mouth of Baker Creek, Penn marked a spruce tree and said the line 
to that point would include all the land he wanted. 

As time went on settlements were made beyond this point. The 
Indians became uneasy and wanted the matter settled. The remainder 
of the purchase was made in 1737, when Governor Patrick Gordon 
employed three of the fastest walkers he could find to complete it. 

The Delaware Indians also had three men. They started at 
Wrightstown, Bucks County. All were under the supervision of the 
sheriff of that county. They took a northwesterly course. All the 
walkers except Edward Marshall, a famous hunter, became exhausted 
before the end of the time set. The distance covered was about sixty 
miles and the walk ended at a point in the Pocono Mountains. 

From this spot a line was drawn to the Delaware River. Instead 
of drawing it to the nearest point on the river the surveyors said the 
line must meet the Delaware at right angles and so drew it to the 
mouth of the Lackawaxen. This took the famous hunting grounds 
on the Minisink away from the Indians. They had not intended to 
include these in the sale, and much of the trouble that came later 
arose from their dissatisfaction with this purchase. 

From this time Marshall was an object of hatred to the Indians. 
Their scalping knives robbed him of his wife and all his children 



PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATION 43 

except one little boy, who crept under a beehive to escape them. The 
Indians felt that this measurement of their lands was unfair and they 
refused to give their consent to it. Their cruel firebrands, scalping 
knives and tomahawks were used in revenge without mercy upon the 
early settlers along the Blue Mountains. 

Other purchases. Penn believed the Indians to be the real 
owners of the land and made many purchases from them. There are 
two deeds for purchases of land in Berks County in which there is 
special interest. One of these is dated September 7, 1732. It is 
from the sachem of the Schuylkill and others on behalf of themselves 
and all the Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, Thomas Penn 
and Richard Penn. The territory contained in the grant is in part 
described as follows : 

"All those tracts of land lying on or near the River Schuylkill. 
In the said province, or any of the branches, streams, fountains, or 
springs thereof, eastward or westward, and all the land lying in or 
near any swamps, marshes, fens, or meadows, the waters or streams 
of which flow into or toward the said Schuylkill." etc. 

The amount paid for the land as mentioned in the deed is as 
follows : 

"20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater matchcoats of two yards each, 
100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 
20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pair of shoes and buckles, 30 pair of stock- 
ings, 300 lbs. of gunpowder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun- 
lo'cks, 50 tomahawks or hatchets. 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 
pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 21 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of 
ribbons, 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 lbs. of tobacco, 400 
tobacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and 50 pounds in money." 

August 22, 1740 is the date of the other deed. Nine different 
tribes of Indians deeded the land to Thomas and Richard Penn. 
Only a few tribes had their chiefs present to represent them at the 
treaty of sale. "Five hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania" 
was the amount paid. The tract lay north of the Blue Mountains 
and extended from the Delaware on the east to the Susquehanna on 
.the west. It included the whole of what is now Schuvlkill County. 



44 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATION 45 

Conrad Weiser was the interpreter on this as on many other occa- 
sions. 

Petitions for a county. In 1862, less than a month after the 
arrival of Penn. three counties, Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks, 
were organized. These extended to the northwest as far as the State 
was then settled. Lancaster was organized in 1721), York in 1749 
and Cumberland in 1750. 

During the first portion of the eighteenth century many settlers 
came into the Oley Valley along the Manatawny Creek and its 
branches. Among these were Germans, Swedes and English. An- 
other group, mostly Welsh, settled in the Conestoga Valley. These 
settlements were made in what is now Amity, Oley, and Colebrook- 
dale. 'A small settlement had been made in the Tulpehocken Valley 
by a number of German settlers who came from New York by way 
of the Susquehanna River. Among these was the Weiser family. 

The Quakers and the Welsh also located along the Allegheny 
and Wyomissing Creeks. There were thus six distinct localities that 
were peopled during the first twenty-five years of the century. Later 
the territory north of South Mountain was purchased from the Indi- 
ans. The Friends made the first settlement in this new region. 
They took up large tracts along the Maiden Creek, also called Onte- 
launee. Many Germans followed and soon the entire region between 
the South Mountains and the Blue Mountains was divided into 
districts for local government, so that by 1750 there were twenty 
districts. These districts were connected by a small number of roads. 
One of the most important of these extended from the Tulpehocken 
settlement in the west in a southerly direction, and crossed the 
Schuylkill at the site of the present Penn Street Bridge. A road 
extended from this ford to the north and south. The o'ne to the north 
was known as Maiden Creek Road and the one to the south the 
Schuylkill Road. 

The place of meeting of these three roads thus became the site 
of the most flourishing town of the county. The distance from 
Lancaster, the place where the Court for what is now Berks County 
was held, was so great that as early as 1738 the citizens of the region 



46 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

of the northeast side of the County of Lancaster petitioned the 
Lieutenant Governor of the province for a new county that was to 
be bounded as the map accompanying the petition indicated. The 
principal reason stated for a new county was the distance from the 
court at Lancaster. A copy of the petition, signed by 172 subscribers,, 
is still in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at 
Philadelphia. 

The Governor referred these petitions to the Assembly, but the 
Assembly took no action. The petitioners waited six years, when 
they sent another petition, which was again laid upon the table. A 
number of similar petitions were presented, and meanwhile York 
County was organized in 1749 and Cumberland in 1750, both out of 
the western portion of Lancaster. This encouraged the petitioners 
of Berks County, and in 1751 they presented another petition, which 
was read a second time and then laid over to the next meeting of the 
Assembly. Still they were not discouraged, and the next year they 
presented yet another petition. 

Erection of county. The act which made it a separate county 
was finally passed March 11, 1752. It extended from the northern 
boundary of Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks, northwest to the New 
York State line. Of the present county the territory to the east of 
the Schuylkill River was taken from what was then Philadelphia 
County, and that on the west of the Schuylkill was taken from 
Chester and Lancaster Counties. On the eastern side of the river 
were the following divisions or townships : Albany, Alsace, Amity, 
Colebrookdale, Douglass, Exeter, Longswamp, Maidencreek, Maxa- 
tawny, Oley, Richmond and Ruscombmanor. Those on the western 
side were as follows: Bern, Bethel, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Cumrn, 
Heidelberg. Robeson and Tulpehocken. 

Reduction of the county. As early as 1749 settlements were 
extended bevond the Blue Mountains. The fork of the Susquehanna 
soon became an important center and what is now Sunbury was 
more than seventy-five miles away from Reading, the County Seat. 
Petitions for a county north of the Blue Mountains were numerous, 
and Northumberland was erected in 1772. It comprised about one- 



PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATION 47 

third of the State and included three-fourths of what had been Berks 
County. Fort Augusta, which later became Sunbury, had been an 
important post during the French and Indian War and was made 
the County Seat. 

The discovery of coal in what is now Schuylkill County caused the 
opening of roads and canals and building of furnaces and forges and 
the clearing of farms. Population increased rapidly ana a new county 
was erected March 11, 1811. Most of what is now Schuylkill was 
taken from Berks and the remainder from Northampton. Twentv 
applications have since then been made for forming other counties, 
which should be taken in part from Berks, but all have failed. 



CHAPTER IV. 



CONRAD WEISER AND COUNT ZINZENDORF. 

Conrad Weiser was born in Germany in 1696. His father. 
John Conrad Weiser, who came to America with his family at the 

expense of Queen Ann settled at Sche- 
nectady, New York, in 1713. Here he 
was often visited by an Indian chief who 
proposed to take young- Conrad to his 
wigwam. The father consented and the 
boy went to live with the Six Nations. 
He was at this time about fourteen years 
old. 

He remained about a year when he 
returned to his father, who meanwhile 
had moved to Schoharie. In 1720 he mar- 
ried and in 1729, with hi.- wife and chil- 
dren, he moved to Tulpehocken and lo- 
cated a short distance east of Womels- 
dorf. Many of Weiser's friends had pre- 
ceded him to Tulpehocken, having found 
that the titles to their land at Schoharie were defective. The lands 
in Tulpehocken on which they settled were not purchased from 
the Indians until nine years later. 

The Indians considered Weiser as an adopted son and when, 
in 1721, Sir William Keith, governor of Pennsylvania, desired to 
secure the friendship of the Iroquois he sent Weiser to their 
Council Fire. He succeeded in making a treaty with the red men 
and for many years thereafter was the Indian interpreter for the 
government. 

In the year 1737, he was sent to Onondago, N. Y., at the de- 
sire of the governor of Virginia. He departed quite unexpectedly, 
toward the close of February, on a journey of five hundred miles, 
through a wilderness, when there was neither road nor path, and 




Conrad Weiser. 



CONRAD WEISER AND COUNT ZINZENDORF 



49 



at a time of the year when there was little chance of procuring 
food from the Indians. His only companions were a Dutchman 
and three Indians. 

In May, 1738, he again went to Onondago, in company with 
Moravian missionaries, to the Indians. They suffered many hardships 
but experienced also some remarkable proofs of the kind Providence 




HOME OF CONRAD WEISER, WOMELSDORF. PA. 

of God. Having 'been without provisions for several days, they found 
a quarter of bear hung up for the use of travelers by an Indian hunter 
who could not carry it, according to a prevalent custom among the 
Indians. 

At this time 'he had taken his residence in Reading, where he 
still acted as Indian agent and commissary, having extended powers 
granted him for that purpose. When the contest between the French 
and the English for the possession of the St. Lawrence and Ohio 
Valley began, it was Conrad Weiser who many times held the Iro- 
quois on the side of the English. 

He was appointed a justice of the peace by the Governor of the 
Province in 1741. At the organization of Berks County in 1752, he- 
was appointed one of the first judges in which capacity as president 
judge he acted until he died. 

Nearly all 'his official correspondence is dated Tulpehocken or 
Heidelberg though he must have lived very muc'h of his time in 
Reading. In 1751 'he erected a building- where Stichter's 'hardware 



50 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

store now stands and here he conducted a store which was the princi- 
pal trading post in this section. 

He built the first hotel that was erected in Reading. His daugh- 
ter was married to Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, one of the most 
noted and best educated religious workers in the colonies. The 
Lutheran church, which was built in 1748, and the parsonage of 
his son-in-law, 'both of which Weiser often visited, may still be seen 
in Trappe, Montgomery County, as they were more than one hun- 
dred and fifty years ago. It was Conrad Weiser's grandson, Henry 
Melchoir Muhlenberg, who was the famous "Fighting Preacher" of 
the Revolution, and who was the 'hero of that stirring war poem, 
"The Rising in 1770," by Thomas Buchanan Read, which ends thus: 

The great bell swung as ne'er before; 
It seemed as it would never cease ; 
And every word its ardor flung 
From off its jubilant iron tongue 
Was, "War! War! War!" 

"Who dares!" — this was the patriot's cry, 
As striding from the desk he came, — 
"Come out with me in Freedom's name, 
For her to live, for her to die?" 
A hundred hands flung up reply, 
A hundred voices answered, "I." 

Weiser had secured a large amount of land, some of which tradi- 
tion says he got in the following manner : 

Chief Shikellimy went to Weiser, saying, "I had a dream. I 
dreamed that Tarachawagon (Weiser) had promised me a rifle." 
Conrad, we are told, handed over the gun. Some days later Weiser 
had his dream. He took it to the old chief, saying, "I dreamed that 
Shikellimy presented me with a large and beautiful island nestled in 
the Susquehanna river." The chief, we are told, deeded over the 
land, and then said, "Conrad, let us never dream again." 

Weiser left to his five sons and daughters all the land he owned. 
In less than eight months after he made his will he began to decline 



CONRAD WEISER AND COUNT ZINZENDOEF 



51 



in health. During the summer of 1TG0 he started out from his home 
in Reading to visit his farm in Womelsdorf, where he died ihe next 
day, July 13, 1700, from what was then called a violent attack of the 




111 ^^^fSWSPW 8 ^ *^ 

CONRAD WEISER'S GRAVE, WOMELSDORF, PA. 

colic. He was buried on his farm. His remains still rest in the little 
private burying ground near the present town of Womelsdorf, and 
are marked by a very modest grave stone, bearing the following in- 
scription, although it is almost illegible : 

This is the resting place 

of the 

once honored and respected 

Conrad Weiser 

who was born November 2d, A. D. 100(5, 

in Afstaedt, County of Herrenberg, Wurtemberg, 

and died July 13, A. D. 1700, 

aged 03 years, 8 months and 13 days. 

He was a friend of Washington. A bronze tablet in the west 

wall of Stichter's hardware store, Fifth and Penn Streets, Reading 

bears the following quotation: "Posterity will not forget his' 



52 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



services."' These words were spoken by Washington as he stood by 
the i-rave of Conrad Weiser at Womelsdorf. 




CONRAD WEISER MONUMENT, IN FRONT OF WOMELSDORF HIGH SCHOOL 

BUILDING. 

This memorial was purchased with money contributed by the 
school children of Berks County, at the suggestion of Professor 



CONRAD WEISER AND COUNT ZINZENDORF 



53 



William M. Zechman, then County Superintendent. It was erected in 
1!K)7. Eighty dollars of the fund remained after all bills had been 
paid and this amount is now in the hands of the Berks County 
Historical Society and will be used to preserve the tablet. 

To further honor the memory of this distinguished pioneer the 
Camps of the Patriotic Order, Sons of America, in Berks County, 
erected a monument in front of the Public School Building in the 
borough of Womelsdorf. This memorial was dedicated September 
25, 1909. Its cost was $1,000. 

Count Zinzendorf. Count Zinzendorf, a Moravian Missionary, 
came to Berks County about 1741, where he was known by the 
Germans as "Brother Louis." He was greatly interested in the con- 
version of the Indians. He visited Weiser at Tulpehocken and from 
him learned the deep religious nature of the natives. 

He preached at various places in the county, and with his 
daughter, Benigna, accompanied Weiser to Shamokin. He was so 




"LEVAN'S BARN," EAGLEPOINT, PA.. WHERE THE FAMOUS COUNT ZINZENDORF 

PREACHED. 

delighted with this trip that he decided to go to Wyoming and 
preach to the Shawnees. Weiser had cautioned him of the ferocious 
nature of these Indians, and was restless about his friend, so he 
started across the untrodden waste toward Wyoming and came just 
in time to save his life. 



CHAPTER V. 



BORDER WARFARE AND FRONTIER FORTS. 

Tedysucung. Tedysucung, whose home was in the Pocono 
Mountains, was a tall, straight-limbed warrior, who became the last 
and great king of the Delaware Indians. The doctrine of the breth- 
ren of returning good for evil, little suited his nature, and it was with 
no Christian spirit that he saw his brethren injured by the 

whites and their hunting grounds 
changed into fields. When his 
untamed brothers asked him to 
be their king, he forsook his 
Christian teachings for ambition 
and revenge. 

The revenge of Tedysucung 
was confined chiefly to the lands 
along the mountains. From their 
lurking places in the forest he 
would lead a small group of savage 
warriors, ruthlessly burning with 
the torch and murdering with the 
tomahawk all the booty and the 
prisoners that they could not 
carry back with them to their re- 
treats in the woods. The de- 
fenseless settlers were harassed 
by their unseen foe by day and 
by night. The settlers were 
scalped or tomahawked or car- 
ried into captivity far worse than 
Nightly the horizon was reddened 
by fire and daily there hung around it a cloud of smoke which marked 
the progress of the fiendish invaders. Their progress of death and 
destruction was to appease a revenge which was as continuous as it 




TEDYSUCUNG. 

slavery, for a coveted ransom. 



BORDER WARFARE AND FRONTIER FORTS 55 

was unmerciful. Tedysucung and his bands in the mid-winter made 
hundreds of homeless wanderers who knew not whither to turn for 
safety or shelter. Hundreds in sheer desperation deserted their 
homes because of the swift destruction they knew was coming. 
Surely the iniquity of the sins of their fathers was being visited upon 
the children. 

In the Revolutionary War, Tedysucung was the great Indian 
hero. He was wise, brave, cunning, and faithful to his followers. He 
loved fun, was quick in seeing the weakness of his enemy, and was 
cutting in his remarks to those who opposed him. He lived at 
Gnadenhutten for six years and frequently visited the settlers along- 
the mountain. He was very fond of the Moravians. Like other 
Indians, he could not resist the temptation of drink. It is reported 
that he frequently consumed a gallon of whiskey a day. He was 
burned to death while asleep in his cabin. Two monuments are 
erected to his memory in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. 

Trouble along the frontier. The days of William Penn were 
no more. The Indians were disappointed. The manner in which 
they had been deprived of their land at the forks of the Delaware, 
as a result of the Walking Purchase, angered them. The French in 
the north fanned their feelings of discontent and ill-will into a flame 
of hatred and revenge. They were led to believe, after the death 
of Braddock, that now was the opportunity to destroy all settle- 
ments thus far made and again gain possession of the hunting 
grounds of their fathers. 

There was no limit to the false reports which the French of 
the north spread among them. They were told that if they remained 
true to the teachings of the Moravians their corn would rot on the 
stalk, their streams would go dry, the wild game would seek other 
lands and the fish would die in the streams. 

The French flattered the Indians and tried to get their help in 
every possible way. They stirred them to deeds of blood along the 
entire frontier. Every day witnessed new deeds of horror, which they 
committed with all the cruelty of which their nature was capable. 
The whole border was in terror. The farmers deserted their dwellings 
and fled to the towns for safety. 



56 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Franklin builds forts. This condition of affairs thoroughly 
aroused the people of the lower settlements. Letters were written 
to Governor Morris to make provision to protect the settlers from 
the merciless savages. He responded by sending Benjamin Franklin 
to take charge of building a series of forts along the Blue Ridge 
Mountains: Work on these frontier defenses was started in 1750. 
He built a fort near where Lehighton now stands, which was called 
Gnadenhutten. When it was completed Franklin returned to 
Philadelphia and others continued his work. 

A line of forts. The Government had determined to build a 
line of forts from the Susquehanna to the Delaware about twelve 
miles apart. They were placed near the settlements and were 
intended as places of refuge in times of danger. The Indians, how- 
ever, followed the guerilla mode of warfare and secretly fell upon 
small numbers of their enemy. It is almost a matter of wonder how 
men, capable of treaties as the Indians were, should be guilty of such 
brutality and ferocity as were practiced in the northern portions of 
Berks County from 1754 to 1763. 

Fort Henry. This fort was located in Bethel Township, about 
three miles west of Millersburg and one mile west of Round Top 
Mountain. It was about fifty yards from the old Shamokin road that 
leads over the mountain. The spot is elevated so that the guards 
could see in every direction. Fragments of pipes and stones from 
the old foundations are now the only remains to mark the spot. It 
was erected on the property of Dietrich Six by the people for their 
protection. The records make mention that several times the people 
fled to this fort. It is not definitely known when the fort was com- 
pleted or abandoned. It was one of the most important in the whole 
line from Shamokin through Tulpehocken to Philadelphia. 

A French officer was captured at this fort and examined in 
Reading in 1757 by Conrad Weiser, James Read and Thomas Oswald. 
He stated that the Indians had a great number of prisoners whom 
they would not be willing to give up. It was proven that he had 
been in the locality of the fort once before and that his partv had 
killed and scalped a German and took seven children prisoners. 
Nothing: was done to him. 



BORDER WARFARE AND FRONTIER FORTS 



57 



Fort Northkill. This fort was about two miles east of Strauss- 
town in Upper Tulpehocken Towns'hip on the Northkill, a small 
stream that flows into the Tulpe'hocken Creek at Bernville. 

Commissary Young on June 20, 1756, wrote: "The fort is about 
nine miles to the westward of the Schuylkill, and stands in a very 
thick wood, on a small rising ground, half a mile from the middle 
of Northkill Creek." On October 1, 1757, there was an attack in 
the neighborhood of the fort. A request for aid was sent to Conrad 
YVeiser at Reading, and Captain Oswald then sent two lieutenants 
with forty men to give relief and assistance. 

Brunner says: "I visited the spot where the fort stood, Novem- 
ber 26, 1879. There is a large heap of ground close by, from the 
excavation of the cellar or underground chamber into which the 
w omenand 
children were 
placed for se- 
c u r i t y. The 
ground fell 
into the cavity 
and the au- 
tumn leaves. 
have been J! 1 
blown into it 
for one hun- 
dred and twen- fort northkill. 
ty-five years, so that by this time it is nearly full." 

John W. Degler lived a short distance from this fort. When 
the Indians became unfriendly he moved his family near the fort 
that they might be under the protection of the soldiers stationed 
there. The Indians heard of this and ransacked the house. Among 
the articles damaged was a chest brought from Germany which is 
still in possession of his descendants. The chest is made of cedar 
wood, unpainted, the edges being held together by bands of iron. 
It was split completely in the middle by the Indians and was later 
fastened together again by bands of iron placed across the ends but 
the lid is still in two parts. The date upon the box is 17.17, and this 
is the year in whic'h the deed is supposed to have been committed. 




58 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The stockades were logs about eighteen feet long, cut in the 
woods in the vicinity of the fort and planted in the ground as closely 
as possible. Some of the old residents of the neighborhood say that 
they can recall when the stockades were still in position and higher 
than the ceiling of a room. 

Fort at Dietrich Snyder's. This in reality was made more as an 
observatory rather than as a fort. It was only one and one-half 
miles from Fort Northkill and afforded a splendid view of the coun- 
try for a radius of ten miles. Buildings set on fire could readily be 
seen at this area and reported to the commander at Northkill at 
once. By constant vigilance the presence of the Indians could be 
detected, and they could be driven away. The building stood along 
the road that leads from Strausstown to Pottsville and has been con- 
verted into a hotel. 

Fort Lebanon or Fort William. The next of the forts was 
Fort Lebanon. It was situated at the Forks of the Schuylkill beyond 
the Blue Mountains near the outlet of the Little Schuylkill and was 
built in 1?.~)4. It was really a short distance beyond the present 
county line near Port Clinton. At times it was called Fort Wil- 
liam and even Fort Schuylkill. It was built upon an elevation 
that contained but few trees. The stockades were made of logs, 
planted side by side and pointed at the top. Each log was fourteen 
feet high. The fort was 100 feet on each side and contained a log 
house thirty by twenty feet. There was a spring in the fort. At 
one time the fort sheltered forty families. It was built in three 
weeks and much of the material was furnished by the people in the 
vicinity. 

Fort Franklin. After the massacre at Gnadenhutten Franklin 
built Fort Allen at what is now Weissport. When that was com- 
pleted he sent Foulk to build another between it and Lebanon. 
It was named in honor of Franklin. It was about fort}- feet square 
with two log houses at the opposite corners. It was also called 
Fort Allemangael, or Albany. This fort stood in Schuylkill County 
north of Albany Township. 

A block house and several other buildings stood on the road 
between Fort Franklin and Fort Allen in which soldiers and pro- 



BORDER WARFARE AND FRONTIER FORTS 



59 



visions, no doubt, were stationed. One of the men in charge of 
these forts made trips from one to the other several times a week. 
Great excitement prevailed in the entire province after the sur- 
render of General Braddock. The forts were but feeble preparations 
for defense. The people lived far apart and were not prepared to 
defend themselves or the forts. The settlers knew their weakness 
but too well. Many staid in their homes and trembled with fear while 
many more fled. 

During the French and Indian war about 150 of the inhabitants 
of the county were killed and about thirty more were captured. The 
Indians always approached the settlers quietly, burned and murdered, 
then departed speedily, so that after all, it is not strange that during 
the eight years of warfare only four Indians were killed in the entire 
county. 

Regina. Very many of the early settlers of the county came 
from Palatinate, Germany, to seek a place of religious freedom. One 

of these families (Hartman) consisting of 
father, mother, two sons and two. 
daughters left Wurtemberg and settled 
in Berks County. The parents were 
pious, God-fearing people who taught 
their children to pray and read the 
scriptures and to sing, there being no 
school and few neighbors. 

On a bright autumn morning the 
mother and the youngest son went to the 
mill, little thinking of the awful greeting 
that would await them upon their return. 
As was the custom they waited until their grists were ground then 
retraced their journey. It was that delightful season of the year 
when the trees were colored in all the gorgeous autumn hues, the 
sumacs were arrayed in red and among them appeared the deep rich 
green of the rhododendron and pine, the birds were gathering in 
Hocks to have, as it were, their last delightful frolic before saying 
good-bve to their homes in the hills and woodlands and mio-ratino- 




REGINA. 



60 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

to the land of perpetual summer. As onward they journeyed the 
mother and son talked fondly of home and their hopes of the future ; 
when they arrived home they were horror-stricken to find the father 
and the oldest son murdered and scalped by the Indians and the two 
girls, Barbara, twelve years of age, and Regina, ten years old, taken 
away as captives. As the Hartman girls were led away they saw a 
sweet little girl only three years old tied to a fence. This child cried 
bitterly and called for mamma in German. She was also taken along. 
About a month later some hunters found the body of Barbara. The 
dreadful tomahawk had done its work. 

Regina and the little girl were taken to some obscure part of 
the mountains where they were kept until a number of them could be 
collected, when they were marched to New York. In the journey 
the younger ones were tied on the backs of the older ones and in this 
manner they were compelled to proceed over stony paths, through 
rough, briery underbrush until they were weary and footsore, and 
their clothing nearly all torn from their bodies. When they lodged 
at night all the prisoners were tied together by the arms. A 
bed was made of brush and leaves. A sapling about six inches in 
diameter was cut and split through the middle. A notch was cut into 
each half so deep that when placed together the notches were large 
enough to hold the leg of the prisoner just above the ankle. The 
prisoners were compelled to lie upon a bed of brush and leaves in 
a row, while a leg of each was placed in one of the notches of the 
sapling and the two parts of the sapling were then securely bound 
together with hickory withes and fastened to the ground with 
stakes. 

A large number of the prisoners were taken several hundred 
miles. Here they were parted and Regina and her companion were 
taken a hundred miles farther, where both were given to a cruel 
squaw who had one son. Regina was compelled to gather wild 
potatoes and beans, which grew in the part of the State in which she 
lived. Her Indian name was Sawquehanna. 

After a time she submitted to her fate with patient resignation, 
learned and accepted the Indian modes of life and learned to speak 
their language. Often she took her companion away from the hut 



BORDER WARFARE AND FRONTIER FORTS 61 

to some secluded spot in the forest and again and again they said the 
prayers of their childhood and sang the songs she learned at home. 
Days, months and years succeeded, and Regina changed with them. 
She changed from girlhood to womanhood, from civilized life to that 
of dwellers of the forest, and lived with the Indians for nine long 
years without a civilized wash or dress. Changes were very great 
and very numerous, so no wonder if her former relatives no longer 
recognized her voice or her features. 

Colonel Bouquet, who had charge of the English army, had 
included in the articles of peace a condition that all children who 
had been taken captive during the war should be returned. As many 
as could be secured were collected at Pittsburgh, partly clothed 
against the December cold, and then taken to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

Notices were printed in all the newspapers that all the parents 
Whose children had been taken captive during the war should come 
to claim them. The anxious mother went to Carlisle hopeful that 
she might find her long lost child. 

The captives were all drawn up in a line. The mother walked 
back and forth along the line several times, but could find no resem- 
blance of her Regina. When taken captive she was ten years of age 
and now when the mother was trying with aching heart to find 
her as she walked along the line she was nineteen, and the change 
was so great that her mother failed to recognize her. 

Colonel Bouquet asked the mother if there was no mark about 
the girl by which she could be identified, and she remembered not 
one. lie then asked if she could not do something which the girl 
might remember. She replied that they used to sing some hymns 
at home. 

When requested to sing, she stood before the line and sang in 
German : 

Alone and yet not alone am I, 

Though in this solitude so drear, 
I feel my Saviour always nigh, 

He comes the weary hours to eheer; 
I am with Him and He with me, 
Even here alone I cannot be. 



62 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

In an instant Regina sprang from the line, embracing the singer 
and sobbing "mother." She joined her mother in singing again the 
'dear old song of their cabin home. 

When they were ready to depart Regina's companion clung to 
her with tears and begged to be taken along. The record and tradi- 
tion relate that her wish was granted. 



CHAPTER VI. 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS. 

The Revolution. After the passage of the Stamp Act and 
the Boston Port Bill, great excitement prevailed in Reading. 
Through these acts the people of Boston were visited with suffer- 
ings and losses. This won for them the sympathy of all the colon- 
ists. When the news reached Reading meetings were held at 
which a series of seven resolutions were adopted condemning the 
action of the British government. The people of Berks Countv 
during the whole war were active in all the movements to estab- 
lish independence. They were represented by delegates at vari- 
ous conferences and they contributed their quota of men and 
money during the entire contest. A Committee of Correspondence 
was appointed in the county which met at Reading, January 2, 
1775, and agreed to propose a convention to be held in Philadel- 
phia on January 2?> ) 1775. 

When the news of the battle of Lexington reached Reading 
a company of men was formed who wore crape for a cockade, in 
token of sorrow for the slaughter of their brethren. Each town- 
ship in the county resolved to raise and discipline a troop of men. 

Each company consisted of one captain, three lieutenants, four 
sergeants, four corporals, a drummer, and sixty-eight privates. The 
pay was as follows: Captain, $20 a month; lieutenant $13^; ser- 
geant $8 ; corporal $7^ ; drummer, $7^ ; private $6^. They sup- 
plied their own arms and clothes and the term of their enlistment 
was one year. 

Jones' company. The company of Captain Jonathan Jones pro- 
ceeded to Canada. They marched six hundred miles, traveling 



64 



THE STORY t/F BERKS COUNTY 



by way of Easton, the Hudson 
River, and Albany, and arriv- 
ing at Quebec in the latter part 
of March. They suffered very 
severely and after the army re- 
treated from Quebec, they re- 
turned to secure some valuable 
papers that had been left be- 
hind. They were with Arnold 
in his pursuit of the British af- 
ter the battle of Cedars and took 
part in the battle of Three 
Rivers. They shared the ter- 
rible sufferings of the army in 
its retreat to Ticonderoga, and 
helped to prepare it to resist the 
attack of the British. Later 
they acted as a part of the es- 
cort of Martha Washington into 
Joseph hiester. Philadelphia. 

Joseph Hiester. Of all the men from Berks who were active 
in revolutionary times, none accomplished more than Joseph 
Hiester, a native of Bern Township. When the excitement of the 
war began, Hiester was only twenty-three years of age but he was 
not too young to heed his country's call. He was sent as a dele- 
gate to the Provincial conference held at Carpenter's Hall, Phila- 
delphia, and upon its adjournment carried the spirit for indepen- 
dence back to Reading. 

On July 10, 1770, he called together his fellow citizens by the 
beat of the drum and made a speech upon what he considered the 
condition of affairs in the county. After he had aroused their patriot- 
ism to a desirable point, he told them that he wished to raise a com- 
pany of volunteers to march to the assistance of Washington, who 
was then in New Jersey. At the conclusion of his remarks he laid 
forty dollars in money on a drumhead, and said, "I will give this 
sum as a bounty to the first man who will volunteer to become a 
part of the company and march to the aid of the commander-in- 




BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 65 

chief. I will also pledge myself to furnish the company with blankets 
and the funds necessary for their equipment." 

He had hardly completed speaking when Mathias Babb stepped 
forward, took the money from the drumhead, and signed the arti- 
cles. Notices were sent through the entire community and meet- 
ings were held. In ten days Hiester had collected ninety-six men, 
who were promptly organized. The men of this company soon 
learned to admire their leader. About the time the company was 
formed Henry Haller desired to be made the colonel of the com- 
pany. Haller well knew that if Hiester was a candidate he could not 
be elected. Hiester, therefore, consented to refrain from being 
a candidate and Haller was made colonel. Haller had hardly been 
chosen, when Edward Burd came to Hiester, stating that he would 
like to be made major, but that he could not be elected if Hiester 
were a candidate. Hiester again made way for Burd. This spirit 
of self-sacrifice and willingness to serve was one of the most 
admirable traits revealed by any of the men during the entire war. 
He gave them the place of honor and distinction and expressed his 
willingness to serve in the ranks if in that way the cause of his 
country could be advanced. 

At Elizabcthtown they learned that General Washington had 
marched to Long Island. Some of his company declared that they 
would not march any further. Hiester called the men into line, made 
them an effective speech, pleading with them and asking that the 
entire company march forward with him to join Washington and fight 
for freedom. All but three responded. When the march began these 
three could not refrain from going with the company. Thev 
marched to Long Island and joined in the battle, where some were 
killed and others wounded. Hiester himself was captured and con- 
fined for six weeks on board the prison ship "Jersey.'' 

He was removed to another prison ship and later was put on 
board the ship "Snowmentor." On these prison ships his food was 
poor and his treatment exceedingly cruel. He became sick and was 
so feeble that he was compelled to crawl upon his hands and knees 
to go up and down the stairs. He was deprived of all of his clothing 
and money. He was exchanged in December, and then returned 



66 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



to Reading. After lie had regained his strength he rejoined the 
army of Washington and remained with lhs troops until the term 
of service had expired. When the attack upon New York was over 
General Joseph Read requested him to raise additional volunteers. 
Hiester secured six hundred and fifty men and joined Read's army 
in New Jersey. For tins action he was highly complimented by 
Read. He received an honorable discharge at the close of the war 
and returned to his home. His unselfish conduct in the service of 
his people, his devotion to the best interests of his country and his 
willingness to sacrifice his own welfare for the men of his company 
made him one of the most popular men of the county. 

Hessian Prisoners at Reading. Many of the prisoners who 
were taken at the battle of Saratoga as a result of the surrender of 
Ihirgovne were sent to Massachusetts and Connecticut. From there 
they were taken to Maryland and Virginia. On March 3, 1781, they 










HESSIAN LOG HOUSE. 

were ordered from these states and sent to Pennsylvania. President 
Read, the chief authority of the state, requested Congress not to send 
them to Reading. 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 67 

His request, however, was not heeded. On May 13, they ar- 
rived at Lancaster and by the 16th about ten hundred and fifty of 
them reached Reading. Some of them were accompanied by their 
wives. Three persons were appointed to select a location for plac- 
ing these soldiers and a place about one-half a mile to the east of 
the city was selected. Here the prisoners were quartered in log huts. 
The place has since been known as "Hessian Camp." On February 
23, 1782, a lieutenant of the county was ordered to call out the 
militia to guard the prisoners at Reading. Nothing remains of these 
huts but a very near reproduction of one of them may be seen in the 
rooms of the Historical Society at Reading. It is a well known fact 
that many of the prisoners were hired out in various parts of the 
county to serve in the farming or manufacturing communities. 

Conway Cabal. While the British Army was living its gay life 
in Philadelphia and Washington's army was suffering the pangs of 
cold and hunger at Valley Forge, affairs in Reading were considered 
reasonably safe and many families went there to avoid falling into 
the hands of the British. Besides its regular citizens and those who 
had come for safety there was generally a group of visitors and 
gentlemen from the army who came to have a season of gaiety with 
their friends. The dissipations of cards, sleighing parties and balls, 
were numerous. General Mifflin at this time was at his home in 
Reading, complaining because he did not seem to be in favor with 
Washington. He seemed to feel that Green had the favor of Wash- 
ington which he did not bestow upon others. Gates, who had been 
placed at the head of the army of the north about the time when 
Schuyler had prepared everything for victory, was doing everything 
he could to take advantage of the laurels which Schuyler had won. 
.Gates, Mifflin and Conway engaged in a plot to remove Washington 
from command. The plot was conceived at Reading. Some his- 
torians locate the place of meeting in a low one-story building on 
the south side of Penn street and others in a two-story building for 
many years called the "Fountain Inn." 

Captain Wilkinson was on his way from Saratoga to York, 
where Congress was then assembled, with despatches concerning 
the surrender of Burgoyne. Tt is reported that he repeated to Gen- 



G8 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



eral Sterling the substance of one of the letters which Conway had 
written to Gates. Lee had been exchanged and returned to Valley 
Forge about the same time. He also shared in the scheme. Just how 
Washington was to be removed is not known. 

Sad indeed is the picture. While the British in Philadelphia 
danced and gambled these mischief makers were plotting and dis- 
cussing the ruin of their chief. They had a personal grudge against 
Washington and were willing to do anything to place Gates in his 
place. 

But the movement failed and Washington gained the love and 
admiration of mankind. He retained the confidence of the nation 
and reached that exalted pedestal which makes him "First in war. 
first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." 




WASHINGTON IN PRAYER AT VALLEY FORGE. 

The veterans. A number of the men who had gone to war 
from Reading returned home in safety. In 1823. they held a public 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 69 

meeting for the purpose of introducing Andrew Gregg as a candi- 
date for governor. There were then thirty-nine of them. In 1S4I) 
the census report showed that there were living in Reading nine 
soldiers of the Revolution. 

Washington Visits Berks. After the defeat of Washington at 
Brandywine in 1777, he retreated to Pottstown. It is said he asked 
a Quaker the road to Reading, but there is no record that he visited 
the Berks Capital at this time. 

In November, 1793, he visited Lebanon to inspect the canal that 
was being built between Philadelphia through Reading to Lebanon 
and Middleton. Upon returning he spent the night of November 
13th at Womelsdorf. On the next day "The Reading Unparthey- 
ische," the first German newspaper in the county, had this article : 
"Yesterday evening the inhabitants of this town had the pleasure of 
entertaining the President of the United States, George Washing- 
ton." After tendering him an address lauding him for his work, he 
made the following reply : "The attention which you show me and 
your approval of my efforts afford me the greatest pleasure." In 
front of the house where he was stopping the people congregated, 
fired guns, and shouted in German, "Lang lebe, George Washing- 
ton." He passed through Reading the next day and remained 
about two hours inspecting the city and commenting upon its ex- 
cellent location. 

The next year, 1794, the inhabitants of Western Pennsylvania 
resisted the collection of tax on distilled liquors, an important in- 
dustry in that part of the state. An army was collected from Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey and Maryland which was to gather at Carlisle. 
Since the new government was brought to a severe test Washington 
decided to accompany the expedition. He, his private secretary, 
Bartholomew Dandridge, and Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander 
Hamilton, started from Philadelphia in a carriage and came to Read- 
ing by way of the Trappe. 

On October 1, he wrote in his diary the following: 
"Left the Trappe early and breakfasted at Pottsgrove, 11 miles. 
We reached Reading for dinner, 19 miles farther, where we found 



70 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




several detachments of infantry and 

cavalry preparing for the march to 

Carlisle." From Pottstown he came 

by the way of the old Philadelphia 

Road, along whose course can yet 

be seen the milestones marking the 

distance to Philadelphia. He passed 

through Douglassville, Amityville, 

Weavertown, Friends' Meeting 

House, Stonersville and Black 

Pear. Many people from Oley and 

vicinity joined his party to Reading 

He stopped for a day and a night 

at the Federal Inn, now the 

Farmers' Bank. This building was 

erected in 1763 by Adam Witman. 

Michael Wood was the landlord. 

After the visit the inn was known 

CHAIR IN WHICH WASHINGTON SAT. ag ^ u^ Q f Washington .» 

While at Reading, Washington visited a former comrade-at-arms, 
Daniel Rose, the clockmaker, whose house, with its beautiful flower 
garden, stood near the inn. The rush-bottomed arm-chair on which 
he sat while at the Rose house is carefully treasured by the Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution at Reading. It can be seen at the 
Historical Society's quarters on Court street. They also have a settee 
from a house at Sinking Spring upon which the General sat and par- 
took of refreshments while making a short call on his friend. Dr. Palm. 

His diary of October 2, has the following: "An accident hap- 
pening to one of my horses occasioned my setting out later than 
was intended. I got off in time, however, to make a halt at 
Womelsdorf, 14 miles and to view the canal from Myerstown, 
towards Lebanon and the locks between the two places which 
seemed admirably constructed. Reached Lebanon at night, 28 
miles." From Lebanon he went to Carlisle and accompanied the 
army to Chambersburg, Cumberland and Bedford. The insurrec- 
tionists seeing- the determination of Washington were ready to 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 71 

sue for peace and the matter was settled. Washington left Bed- 
ford for home October 21. 

Fries' rebellion. During the early part of Adams' administra- 
tion a tax was imposed which required the assessors to measure 
and register the panes of glass in windows. This was called a 
house tax and was very unpopular. John Fries, an auctioneer and 
soldier in the Revolution, wearing a plumed hat and carrying a 
pistol and a sword at his side and with Whiskey, his little dog. 
running after him marched from place to place to the sound of 
life and drum and addressed the Germans upon the injustice of 
the house tax. 

A United States marshall arrested twelve of his men and con- 
fined them in the Sunn Inn, at Bethlehem, and Fries, with a num- 
ber of followers went to their rescue. When he appeared at the 
inn with somewhat more than one hundred and twenty followers 
the marshall had to give up his prisoners and Fries came out vic- 
torious. By order of President Adams, Gov. Mifflin called out the 
militia and Fries was captured in a swamp south of Allentown. 
He was tried in Philadelphia for high treason, convicted and con- 
demned to die, but President Adams pardoned him. 

Among the troops called out to quell the above insurrection 
was Captain Montgomery's company of Light Dragoons, of Lan- 
caster. Their way to the place of excitement was through Read- 
ing. Upon arriving here they insulted a number of people and 
cut down certain "Liberty Poles." These ungentlemanly deeds 
caused a correspondent of the Reading Adler to publish a letter 
criticising their conduct. Upon their return they heard of the 
letter which made fun of them. In their anger, they took the 
proprietor forcibly to the market house and gave him a number 
of lashes. 

The county militia. There were mustered into service from 
Berks County two battalions of militia in 1777; one under the 
command of Colonel Daniel Hunter, containing 348 men, and the 
other under Colonel Daniel Udree, containing 297 men, making 
a total of 645 men. These men were called out by Colonel Jacob 
Morgan, the principal military officer of the county, at the direc- 



72 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

tion of the Executive Council. They were placed under General 
Armstrong, who at the battle of Brandywine commanded the left 
wing which was stationed down the river to protect the fords sev- 
eral miles below Chadd's Ford. 

After the battle of Brandywine, Howe returned to capture the 
military stores at Reading. Immediately two additional battalions 
of county militia were mustered into service. One was commanded 
by Colonel Michael Lindermuth, containing 283 men, and the other 
by Colonel Joseph Heister, containing 258 men. 

Militia at Valley Forge. At the battle of Germantown General 
Armstrong was sent near to the mouth of the Wissahickon Creek, 
where Washington expected to drive the British and compel them to 
surrender. It so happened, therefore, that, as at Brandywine, the 
Berks County militia did not take part in the actual battle. 

There were present 1,016 men from Berks County. When 
Washington was at Valley Forge most of these men were stationed 
about one and one-half miles east of Barren Hill. 

The War of 1812. After the Revolutionary War, the United 
States Government passed laws whereby foreigners could become 
naturalized. The British Government, however, contended that a 
British subject could not be naturalized, and claimed the right to stop 
all United States vessels and search for British seamen. It is said 
that within a period of eight years they captured nine hundred vessels 
and impressed over six thousand seamen into their navy. This 
continued until, finally, affairs got to the point where it could be 
endured no longer, and war was declared. Governor Schneider issued 
an order requiring that four thousand troops should promptly be 
raised to carry on the war. 

Companies from Berks. When the news of Perry's victory on 
Lake Erie reached Reading, the citizens celebrated the event by a 
grand illumination. After Washington had been taken twelve com- 
panies were organized in the county and left in August, 1814, but 
after six months' service they returned home, having participated 
in no engagement. Daniel Udree, of Oley, was major-general of the 
second brigade. Eight companies served under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Jeremiah Schappell, of Windsor, three under Lieutenant-Colonel 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 7S 

John Lotz, of Reading, and one, the Reading Washington Guards, 
under Captain Daniel De B. Keim. 

English families at Reading. During the war a law was passed 
which required Englishmen to remove into the interior part of the 
country at least f.fty miles from the seacoast. A number of these 
families left Philadelphia, came to Reading and stayed at the Tyson 
Inn. The city of Washington was taken during their stay at the inn 
and this news caused them to rejoice and to express their satisfaction 
by holding a festival and dance. The people of Berks County, how- 
ever, were heartily in sympathy with the war and they did not like 
this reveling and rejoicing. Tn the midst of their carnival they were 
suddenly attacked by a party of citizens and it is said that if a num- 
ber of English-speaking men of Reading had not come to their 
assistance, they would have been driven out of the city that night. 

The Mexican War. When the excitement, due to the annexa- 
tion of Texas, began, the discussion soon reached Reading. On the 
20th of May, 1840, a town meeting was held at which the course of 
President Polk was commended. Three volunteer companies offered 
their services to the President. One was the Reading Artillerists; 
another the Washington Grays, and the third the National Grays. 

A town meeting was held in the Court House for the purpose of 
providing means to aid the soldiers. G. A. Nicolls, of the Philadel- 
phia and Reading Railroad Company, offered them free passage 
over the railroad. The town council authorized a loan of $1,000 and 
appropriated that sum to provide the soldiers and to furnish relief 
to their families. The same amount was given by the County Com- 
missioners on the recommendation of the Grand Jury. 

The services of the Reading Artillerists, numbering 102 men, 
were accepted. Doctor Wurts, United States Surgeon, pronounced 
them the finest body of men who had yet passed into the service. 
They traveled by railroad to Harrisburg, thence to Carlisle and 
Chambersburg. They had hardly succeeded in having their arrange- 
ments for the camp completed, when one night at one o'clock thev 
found fifteen inches of water all over their camping ground. There 
was no other shelter nearby, so they had to endure the water until 
they were ordered into a transport ship called "Ocean," which took 



74 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

them to higher ground on Lobos Island. They were on the island 
for three weeks, when they started for Vera Cruz. The company was 
engaged in the following battles: Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapul- 
tepec and some minor engagements. When the war was over they 
were ordered home about the middle of June, 1848. Their march 
to Vera Cruz, where they took boat and sailed for New Orleans, 
took about a month. They proceeded by the Mississippi and Ohio 
rivers to Pittsburgh, from which place they traveled by canal to 
Harrisburg and thence by railroad to Reading. Upon their arrival 
at home they were given a brilliant reception. So great was the 
enthusiasm, it is said, that some of the people in the parade carried 
Captain Leoser from the station to his residence upon their shoul- 
ders. Twenty-two of the men of Berks County died in Mexico from 
sickness contracted there. Four died from wounds and one was 
killed in battle. 

THE CIVIL WAR. 

The county militia. The experience of the Revolutionary war 
taught the lesson that it was necessary to have trained soldiers in 
readiness at all times. As early as 1770, Pennsylvania adopted a sys- 
tem of military training which was carried out until after the Civil 
War. Every able-bodied male citizen, between the ages of 18 and 
45 years was obliged to serve in the militia. In 1856 Berks County 
had 24 companies. These were arranged in six battalions. 

Whit-Monday was observed as "Battalion Day" when these militia; 
men were brought together and drilled in military tactics. These 
events were held at prominent places in the county, especially in 
Reading. They were great annual attractions and stimulated 
patriotism in the heart of the young. Vast crowds gathered to 
witness the drilling and to participate in the festivities and amuse- 
ments of the occasion. 

As the relations between North and South became more and 
more strained Battalion Day became a more serious occasion and 
the militia men were given an opportunity of forming a better con- 
ception of camp life and military discipline. Reading had two com- 
panies of artillery: the Reading Artillerists and the Ringgold Light 
Artillery. 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 



Berks county responds to the call. For years there was a 
great contention between the North and the South as to the exten- 
sion of slavery, and when Lincoln became president, the 




FIRST DEFENDERS MONUMENT. 
(City Park). 

southern states commenced to secede. Fort Sumter was captured 
and Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to defend the Union, for in his 
inaugural address he had said that "the Union must and shall be 
preserved." 

The call for troops created great excitement in Reading. Captain 
James McKnight promptly offered his company of Ringgold Light 
Artillery. This was the first body of men to respond to Lincoln's 
call. Each man of 'his company was a hero indeed. They were the 
first to offer their services as well as their lives if necessary for the 
preservation of the union. The citizens of Berks County may well 
be proud of this record. No response to their country's call was ever 
made more promptly or more generously. 

The feeling for maintaining the Union, and upholding the Con- 
stitution was strong. Berks sent to the front ninety-three companies 



76 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

and five regimental bands. In the public meetings that were held 
party lines were disregarded and prominent men of all parties were 
the leaders who upheld Lincoln and his administration. 

Among the people of the county who opposed the way the war 
was carried on, none could be found who were unwilling to do their 
part in maintaining the Union. 

When it was feared that the county might be invaded Penn 
Square presented an animated scene. Men were enlisted, drilled,, 
and marched to the tune of the fife and drum which thrilled the com- 
munity to its very center. Two encampments, one in 1862, and an- 
other in 1863, in Reading, afforded a chance to learn what prepara- 
tions were being made. Large and enthusiastic meetings were held 
to prepare for protection against invasion. The county raised over 
|SOO,000 for war purposes. 

Nor do the men deserve all the credit for the prompt and 
patriotic response they made to Lincoln's call. Just as the Ringgold 
Light Artillery were preparing to take the train to proceed to the 
front in response to Lincoln's call, a number of ladies of Reading met 
in the parlor of Mrs. Dr. Uiller Luther, at Xo. 530 Penn Street, and 
formed what was called the "Ladies' Aid Society." It was the aim 
of this society to supply the soldiers in actual service with clothing 
and such other things as they might need. They selected a place at 
which materials were gathered and then sent to the front. This 
activity was continued during the entire war and tons of material 
were forwarded. This was the first society of the kind organized in 
America, so that Berks County has the honor and distinction not 
only of having sent the first soldiers to the front, but also of having 
been the first to provide for the comfort and welfare of those that 
were sent. 

A military hospital was fitted up in Reading in the main building 
of the Agricultural Society and the Ladies' Aid Society took an 
active part in providing for the needs of one hundred and thirty 
patients whom it was possible to accommodate. 

Drafting soldiers. When the call for troops became too fre- 
quent, and the response by volunteers no longer supplied the number 
of men needed, the government was compelled to resort to the draft. 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 77 

A draft had to be made each of the following- years: 1802. 1863 
1864 and 1865. In the first 1, 242 men were drafted from the county; 
in the second, 1,554. The third draft, 52 men, was made in Ruscomb- 
manor only, the other districts having volunteers enough to supply 
the needed number of men. In 1863 Berks County was required to 
supply 1, 560 men. Reading, Upper Bern, Bernville. Cumru. Wom- 
elsdorf, supplied their share by volunteers and a draft was used to 
get the required number in the other districts. 

Excitement at Reading. When Lee invaded Pennsylvania, and 
captured York, Carlisle and other towns west of Harris. arg, the 
people became thoroughly alarmed. Many families from the Sus- 
quehanna Valley with some of their belongings passed through 
Reading toward Philadelphia, but after the battle of Gettysburg 
they returned to their homes. It was at this time that the Mayor 
of Reading, Joseph B. Hover, sent the following appeal to the peo- 
ple of the county: 

"Arouse ! Freemen ! 

"Whereas, we have reliable information that a large rebel army 
is now near Harrisburg, and have possession of York, Carlisle and 
•other towns west of Harrisburg, and will soon be in Berks County 
if not checked, at a meeting held in the Court House June 27. 1863, 
in Reading, it was resolved to call a meeting on Sunday morning 
at 9.30 o'clock, on Market Square to begin forming and enlisting 
men, and continue to do so, we therefore urge all able-bodied men, 
rich and poor, to come forward from the county, early on Monday 
morning, to meet us in Reading, and at once proceed to Harrisburg 
to check the invaders." 

The Veterans. The war covered the period from 1861 to 1865 
and many of the 8,500 men who were furnished by this county were 
either killed in battle or died in southern prison pens. Many who 
returned were crippled for life. 

The citizens vied with each other in doing honor to the vet- 
erans who had endured the hardships of battle. Many of the 
dead were brought to their homes and buried with honors, while 
the living were welcomed in a manner fitting the splendid work 
they had performed. 



78 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

On the 30th of May in each year since then the people of each 
community have gathered in the cemeteries of the county and held 
exercises commemorating the valor of the soldiers. Annually a 
flag is placed upon the grave of each departed soldier by the sur- 
viving veterans or by some society in the community designated 
by them. 

Almost every cemetery in the county has its quota of soldier 
graves. The most prominent burial place is Charles Evans ceme- 
tery, Reading, where a splendid monument was erected in 18s; by 
two grand army posts of the city. 

COMPANIES FROM BERKS. 
Three Months' Service, 1861. 
Regt. Co. Name Captain. 

25th, A — Ringgold Light Artillery James McKnight 

25th, C — Ringgold Light Artillery Henry Xagle 

1st, G — Reading Artillerists '.. George W. Alexander 

5th, H — Union Light Infantry Frank M. Cooley 

7th, C — Washington Artillery George S. Fferbst 

7th, D — Pennsylvania Artillery Albert F. Rightmyer 

7th, G — Reading Rifles Isaac Schroeder 

14th, A — Union Guards David A. Griffith 

14th, E — Keystone Infantry John A. Shearer 

Three Years' Service, 1861-64. 
Regt. Co. Name Captain. 

32d, A — Reading Artillerists Jacob Lenhart, jr. 

32d, D — Mechanics' Infantry William Briner 

32d, F — Washington Guards Washington Richards 

36th, I — Berks and Lebanon Counties. Joseph G. Holmes 

44th, L — Reading Troop ..J. C. A. Hoffeditz 

44th, M — Reading Cavalry Thomas S. Richards 

46th, E — Reading Rifles Cornelius Wise 

48th, D — Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Daniel Xagle 

50th, B — Ellsworth Zouaves Hervey Herman 

50th, F — Reading Light Infantry William H. Diehl 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 79 

50th, H — Union Light Infantry Thomas S. Brenholtz 

5oth, B — Washington Legion John C. Shearer 

50th, K — Cavalry, Berks & Philadelphia. Stehen H. Edgett 

70th, G — Reading Dragoons George E. Clymer 

71th, G — Berks and Adams Counties. . . William J. Bart 

80th, L — Cavalry, Berks & Northumb'ld. Charles C. McCormick 

83d, I — Reading & Harrisburg Robert W. McCartney 

88th, A — Junior Fire Zouaves .-George W. Knabb 

88th, B — Xeversink Zouaves Henry R. Myers 

88th, H— Union Guards David A. Griffith 

93d, B — Union Zouaves John E. Arthur 

03d, G — Reading & Norristown Alexander C. Maitland 

03d, K — Berks & Lebanon Counties. . . . David C. Keller 

96th, G — Hamburg Light Infantry James M. Douden 

104th, H— Berks County William F. Walter 

D — Independent Battery George W. Durrell 

5th, M— Battery U. S. Artillery James McKnight 

Nine Months' Service, 1862-63. 
Regt. Co. Name Captain. 

128th, A — Washington Infantry L. Heber Smith 

128th, B — Muhlenberg Infantry William McNall 

128th, E — Reading Artillerists William H. Andrews 

128th, H — Felix Light Guards John Kennedy 

128th, I — Reading Iron W r orks Guards.. Richard H. Jones 

128th, K — City Guard George Newkirk 

151st, E — Onteiaunee Jacob S. Graeff 

151st, G — Bemville Levi M. Gerhart 

151st, H — Upper Tulpehocken William K. Boltz 

151st, I — Berks & Schuylkill William L. Gray 

151st, K — Longswamp James W. Weida 

Volunteer Militia, 1862. 
Regt. Co. Name Captain. 

2d, G — Fifth Ward Guards Franklin S. Bickley 

11th, E — Nicolls Guards Dr. Charles H. Hunter 



80 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

1 1th, I — McKnight Guards Nathan M. Eisenhower 

20th, G — Liberty Fire Zouaves William Geiger 

20th, H — McLean Guards Samuel Harner 

20th, I — Halleck Infantry Frederick S. Boas 

20th Berks County Cavalry Samuel L. Young 

Drafted Militia, 1862, Nine Months' Service. 
Regt. Co. Location Captain. 

107th, A — Womelsdorf Jonathan See 

167th, B — Reading Charles Melcher 

107th, C— Oley Peter Y. Edelman 

107th, D — Ontelaunee Samuel A. Haines 

107th, E — Spring Hiram H. Miller 

107th. F — Marion Joseph Groh 

167th, G— Washington William A. Schall 

167th, H— Pike Abraham H. Schaeffer 

107th, I — Richmond Jonas M. Schollenberger 

167th, K— Rockland Edward F. Reed 

179th, I — Reading Amos Drenkel 

170th, K — Amity John B. Wagoner 

Volunteer Militia of 1863. 

Regt. Co. Location Captain. 

:Ust, H — Reading David A. Griffith 

42d, A — Reading William F. Walter 

42d, B — Reading Samuel Harner 

42d, C — Reading John E. Arthur 

42d, D— Robeson William D. Smith 

42d, E — Reading John McKnight 

42d, F — Robeson Bentley H. Smith 

*42d, G — Ontelaunee . . . Samuel A. Haines 

42d, H— Reading John Obold I 

42d, I — Birdsboro Edward Bailey 

42d. K — Heidelberg Jacob Deppen 

58th, G — Reading Joseph G. Holmes 



BERKS COUNTY RECORDS IN THE NATION'S WARS 81 

53d, A — Reading Richmond L. Jones 

53d, B — Reading Jacob Lehman 

Independent Artillery — Reading. ...William C. Ermentrout 

100 Days' Service, 1864. 

20th, G — Reading George W. Ashenfelter 

194th, I — Reading Henry E. Quimby 

105th, A — Reading Henry D. Markley 

195th, B — Reading Harrison Maltzberger 

19Gth, I — Reading George S. Rowbotham 

One Year's Service, 1864-65. 

192d, F— Reading John Teed 

195th, A — Reading Henry D. Markley 

198th. D — Reading Isaac Shroeder 

198th, G — Rockland William L. Gninther 

205th, B — Reading Joseph G. Holmes 

205th, E— Reading William F. Walter 

205th, H — Rnscombmanor . Franklin Schmehl 

Regimental Bands. 

5th, Reading City E. Ermentrout, leader 

25th, Ringgold John A. Hoch, leader 

20th, Bernville ... Henry S. Grime, leader 

46th, Birdsboro Richard J. Stanley, leader 

88th, Reading City E. Ermentrout, leader 

War with Spain. For years the people of America sympa- 
thized with the inhabitants of the island of Cuba who were suffering 
from the tyrannical oppression of Spain. When early in 1898 the 
United States battleship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor, en- 
tailing the loss of 200 American sailors, feeling against Spain became 
so great that on March 29 Congress declared war against that coun- 
try and officially recognized the independence of Cuba. 

When President McKinley called for 125,000 volunteers the 
patriotic spirit was aroused in our county and the Reading Artil- 
lerists responded. Under the command of Captain Samuel Willits 
they proceeded to Mount Gretna, where thev were mustered into 



82 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

service on May !), with the Fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania. This 
regiment went to Chickamauga, where John C. Hintz, first lieutenant 
of Company A. died. On August '2 they landed in Porto Rico and 
went to the support of the advancing army at Guayama. 

They took their position on a hill and were ready to fire when 
the news of the "Peace Protocol" was circulated. Active opera- 
tions now ceased and they were put on outpost duty near Ponce. 
They were mustered out of service November 1(5 and received a 
cordial welcome when thev returned home. 



CHAPTER VII. 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 
COLONIAL LIFE. 
Homes. In the early colonial days the furniture in the smaller 

houses was usually of home manufacture. Benches made of slabs 

and stools having three 
legs served as chairs and 
couches. Beds were often 
simple frames b u i 1 t. 
against the wall on which 
were mattressess stuffed 
with corn husks or straw, 
cut into lengths of about 
four inches. Leaves and 
brush at times even re- 
placed the straw, for to 
the colonists "a hard 
the kitchen fireplace. day's work made a soft 

bed." The kitchen was usually large and had a large hearth in which 
the fire for heating was kept. Light at first was furnished by the 
old-fashioned "fat lamp." This was followed later 
by the tallow candle in the manufacture of which 
Franklin's father was engaged. The molds in which 
they were made may yet be seen in the old home- 
steads, but they are seldom used. The tallow candle 
was replaced by the coal oil lamp with which all of us 
are familiar. Gas and electricity followed and are 
now fast replacing all other means of illumination. 
Several pipe lines which conduct oil from the oil 
regions to the seaboard, pass through the county. 

Matches were unknown and fire was kindled by 
means of the flint stone. The stone was struck with 
A ™ lamp.° 1L a piece of iron, producing sparks which were caused 





84 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




to strike punk. By blowing or fanning a flame was started. As 
this was a tedious and uncertain method the colonists were care- 
ful not to allow their fires to go out. When 
through neglect or accident the fire happened to 
die out it was nothing unusual to borrow a shovel- 
fid of burning embers from a neighbor and carry 
them for a long distance. 

Market value of articles about 1800. Wheat 

$1.80 a bushel, rye 60 cents a bushel, oats 25 cents 

a bushel, corn 72 cents a bushel, flour $9.25 a 

tallow candle, barrel, ham cents a pound, beef 4 cents a pound, 

sugar 12 cents a pound, butter 12 cents a pound, eggs 8 cents a 

dozen, labor 40 cents a day and rum $1.00 a gallon. 

^ Farming implements. The farm- 

"^7/ £-f— H=fe^ ~ ^ U1 8' implements were verv crude. 

Plows and harrows were made of 
wood and usually drawn by oxen. The 
harness was made of ropes or raw 
deer skin. The skins were twined 
and twisted together and then dried. 
These often served as traces. 

Grain and grass were cut by 

means of sickles, which were later 

^."cP"" ' "-" /Sf ' «£> replaced by the scythe and the grain 

cradle. 

Threshing was done by causing 
the oxen and horses to walk back 
and forth over the grain or by means 
of a flail with which the grain was beaten. 

Clothing. Rut little was known of cotton in those days in 
Rerks County. The sheep furnished wool. The flax was dried, 
beaten, broken and spun into cloth out of which the moth- 
ers made home-spun garments. At times knee breaches were 




CARRYING FIRE FROM THK 
NEIGHBORS. 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 



86 




OLD PLOW 



made of deerskin. The shoes, 
worn generally only in winter, 
were made of leather tanned in 
the locality. Reading, from its 
first days was a center for mak- 
ing hats, and some of the imple- 
ments used in the early manufac- 
ture of hats may still be seen in 
the rooms of the historical soc- 
iety. 

The iron industry and early furnaces. The iron industry was 
early carried on throughout the eastern portion of the State. The 

first stoves in America were made in Berks 
County. They consisted of five plates 
which were put together like a box, the 
sixth side being walled into the large 
chimney. The plates were heavy and were 
molded when men did not know nearly 
so well how 7 to use hot metal as we do 
today. 

The early furnaces made what the set- 
tlers needed. When it was found that the 
stove just described was not very service- 
able, one of the pioneer iron men made a 
new model which had an oven that could 
be used for baking. It was an old-fashion- 
ed box stove such as some of us have seen 
in our younger days. It stood upon legs 
like a sewing machine and was about three 
feet long and one and one-half feet wide, 
with a small hearth extending in front of 
it. There was an opening in the top for a pipe. 

One of these stoves was shown at the World's Fair, Chicago, 
1893. It has lettering and flowers on it, much after the fashion of 
our stoves today. Upon it may be read: "Hereford Furnace, 1767, 
Thomas Maybury." On the door is inscribed: "Made llfi?" It 
is the oldest stove in America and, having been made in our coun- 




SPINNING IN A COLONIAL 
HOME. 



86 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



ty, we should feel justly proud of it. It is now in possession of the 
Berks County Historical Society. 

To operate one of the charcoal furnaces at which stoves, and 
cannons and cannon balls for the Revolutionary war were made, many 
men were required. Thomas May'bury, at times, had as many as forty 
and even employed the Hessian prisoners. 

Much draft was necessary to furnish the amount of heat required 
to melt the iron. Water wheels were usuallv used to furnish the 




OLDEST STOVE IN COUNTY. 

power to do so, and for this reason the furnaces were located along 
the streams. It is supposed that there were at least six of those early 
furnaces located in our county. 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 87 

In 1838 there were eight furnaces for manufacturing pig iron 
at which 3790 tons of iron were made in one year: 4300 bushels of 
charcoal were used in its making; and 200 men were employed. At 
the same time there were two rolling mills which made the pig iron 
into usable form. At that time the county contained two scythe 
factories which manufactured 2000 scythes. This was before the 
days of the mowing machines and reapers and binders. There were 
seven gun factories which during the year turned out 370 guns. 

At the same time there were seven ore mines in operation in 
the county from which 1200 tons of ore were taken by 73 miners. 
Nine limestone quarries were also in operation. In them 170 quarry 
men were employed. There were 300 lime kilns which during the 
year burned 065,000 bushels of lime. 

Burning charcoal. There were usually about a dozen w r ood- 
choppers who cut down our giant forest trees at the rate of fifty 
cents a cord. The teamsters generally using a sled with greased 
runners and a yoke of oxen, dragged the wood to the hearth. The 
best and most trusty men were the charcoal burners. 

A level circular space was cleaned and in the center were placed 
one or more poles from three to six inches in diameter. Around 
these the wood in pieces about four feet long was piled upon the ends. 
Three lengths were placed one on top of the other. When completed, 
the pile of wood was about forty feet in circumference, twelve feet 
high and shaped like a cone. The center poles were then withdrawn 
and the hole was filled with chips and dry shavings. The whole was 
then covered with leaves upon whic'h was placed a layer of ground to a 
depth of several inches to make the whole pile air tight. The chips 
and shavings were then lit. and holes were made at the bottom along 
the outer edge so that the fire would burn downward. 

Two burners were usually on hand. The fire was allowed onlv 
to smoulder, or kept as a "dead fire." The heap had to be closelv 
watched so that one side would not burn faster than the other, this 
being regulated by opening and closing the openings previously men- 
tioned. The time to burn such a "heap or pit" varied from two davs 
to a week. When completed the heap was only half its original size. 
Heaps often contained 700 bushels of coal. 



88 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The burners lived in huts made like the Indian wigwams, except 
that the poles were covered with dirt and leaves. Their bill of fare 
usually was "flitch and potatoes for breakfast; potatoes and flitch for 
dinner; and for supper they had one or the other over again." And 
yet they were a jolly set of fellows. The burden of their song always 

was: 

"There is nothing pleasanter under the sun 

Than sitting by the fire till the taters are clone." 

The charcoal was later taken to the furnace where it was used to 
melt the iron out of the ore. 

RIVERS AND CANALS. 

Early navigation of the Schuylkill. The Schuylkill is the 
largest stream of the county and from the time of the first settle- 
ments it afforded a means for travel and exchange of products. It 
furnished the early settlers a supply of fish which were cheap and 
Wholesome meat. In order to catch the fish easily and in large num- 
bers those who lived upon its banks built dams, mears. and racks, 
into which the fish were driven by fishermen or men upon horses. 
These dams became a hindrance when the river was to be used for 
boating. It was the custom of the farmers in the count}- to take 
their wheat down the river in boats. These boats were usually hewn 
out of the log of a single tree, and at times carried as much as seventy 
bushels of wheat. These boats would get fast at various dams, when 
to preserve their load, the boatmen were compelled to leap into the 
river. The dams were spoiled and quarrels followed. 

A number of the boatmen finally lodged complaints with Squire 
Boone of Oley Township, and secured a warrant to remove the dams. 
The fishermen did not care for the boatmen or their warrant and they 
came to blows. The affair was settled and the boatmen were allowed 
to carry their loads to the Quaker city. It was some time before the 
trouble was ended. 

The Swedes used the Schuylkill to transfer their skins as early 
as 1716, and used this means of going to mill, church and store.- 

Among the hills of the upper Schuylkill an abundance of pine and 
hemlock timber was found. The first settlers soon 'began to cut the 
trees and built rafts to float produce down the river, the rafts being 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 89 

later sold for lumber. These rafts would be hurriedly loaded when 
there was a rise of water and rafts and cargoes would be floated 
down the river. 

Some knowledge of the extent of the business done by these may 
be gained from a statement in a Reading newspaper in 1802: 

"Within the present week was taken down on the Schuylkill to 
the mills and the city of Philadelphia in boats in one day from this 
place the following articles: 1,201 barrels of flour. 1,425 bushels of 
wheat, 17 tons of bar iron, 1,402 gallons of whiskey, 305 pounds of 
butter and 500 pounds of snuff, The whole amounted to upwards of 
one hundred and sixty tons, and would require, in the present con- 
dition of the roads, at least one hundred and sixty teams of good 
horses to haul the same to market."' 

Union Canal. Many of the great schemes for improving this 
country in its early days were originated in Pennsylvania. In 1791, 
the Legislature passed an act which incorporated the Schuylkill and 
Susquehanna Navigation Company, which was to connect these two 
rivers by a canal. The idea had first been suggested by Penn about 
a hundred years before, and the first survey was made by David Rit- 
ten'house and others in 1762. 

The route selected was from Reading along the Tulpehocken 
and Swatara to Middletown. This was the first canal ever surveyed 
in America, canals and turnpikes being unknown at this time, even 
in England. The Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Company was 
chartered in 179:2. It was to connect Philadelphia and Reading by a 
navigable waterway. These canals were to be a part of a great net- 
work of waterways that should connect the large cities in the state, 
with the intention of extending the chain to Lake Erie and the Ohio 
River. 

Very little was done toward building either canal until 1811, 
so the members of the old companies formed a new company called 
the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania. They were authorized 
to build a canal from Philadelphia to Lake Erie. The new managers 
went to work, but capital was scarce, and it was more than seven- 
teen years before the work was completed from Reading to Middle- 
town. The first boat, called the Pair Trader, left Philadelphia, March 
120, 1828, and went by way of Reading to Middletown, where it ar- 



90 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



rived on the 23d. In July of that year there were seventeen canal 
boats in use and by the end of December of the same year there were 
over two hundred. 

The highest point in the canal was four miles east of Lebanon. 
From there east to the mouth of the Tulpehocken creek is 37 miles, 
while the total length of the canal was seventy-nine and one-half miles. 
A s'hort distance west of Lebanon a tunnel was constructed through 
which the waterway passed. This was the first tunnel in the L nited 
States. 

In order to get some idea as to the value of the canal when 
completed one needs but remember that in 1831, in one day, eig-hty 
boats passed through the canal toward Philadelphia. ( )f these, 
forty-five were loaded with lumber and coal, the others with flour, 




CANAL BOAT PASSING STOUTS' FERRY BRIDGE. 

whiskey, castings and the like. On the same day, sixty boats passed 
in the opposite direction and sixteen of these were loaded with, 
irerchandise. This was the purpose it served in the days of its 
greatest usefulness. After the completion of the Lebanon Valley 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 



91 



Railroad to Harrisburg, traffic on the canal began to grow less, 
and in 1884 it was altogether abandoned. 

Schuylkill Canal. The first coal was sent over the Schuylkill 
River in flats owned by Abraham Potts in 1821. In the same year, 
mention is made of several flats which passed down the river, loaded 
with coal. In the early days there were shanties stationed along the 
river for the accommodation of these flat boat voyagers. They 
were known as boat houses. To these the boaters often resorted 
for lodging and provisions. 

The Schuylkill Navigation Company was incorporated in 1814. 
It was formed to provide means of carrying coal, lumber and mer- 
chandise from Port Carbon. Schuylkill County, to Philadelphia. 
At that time teams were the only conveyance between Philadelphia 
and Reading. The building of the canal was begun in 1817. It was 
completed in 1827. Its total length was 108 miles. It cost $3,- 
000,000. 




COXF.STOGA WAGON". 

There were three special boats loaded with guests that descend- 
ed the canal when it was completed. The first was the "Thomas 
Oaks," named after the engineer under whose direction much of 
the canal was built. This boat was occupied by Governor Joseph 
Hiester, managers and engineers of the company, and invited guests. 
The second boat was named "Stephen Guard." It was occupied 
by voung ladies and gentlemen from Reading. The third was the 



92 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

"DeWitt Clinton," which was named after the famous promoter 
of the Erie Canal in New York, and hore a cargo of agricultural 
implements. In Lewis Dam the boats were anchored, and Charles 
Evans, Esq., delivered an appropriate address. 

The "Thomas Oaks" went only as far as Pottstown, when it 
was drawn back to Reading by one horse, at the rate of nearly six 
miles an hour. The "Girard" and "Clinton" proceeded ten miles 
further down the canal and returned to Reading about twilight. 

Value of canals. In the early days of the canal it cost forty 
cents to carry a hundredweight of produce from Reading to Phila- 
delphia by .stage, and twelve and one-half cents by canal. The toll 
from Port Carbon on a ton of coal to Philadelphia was one dol- 
lar and sixty-eight cents. 

Owing to the increase in coal trade the canal was enlarged in 
1846 so as to allow the passage of boats carrying a burden of one 
hundred and eighty tons through the whole course. The depth was 
at no place less than five and one-half feet and the width sixty 
feet. In 1857 the canal was used to transport 1,275.088 tons of 
coal to Philadelphia. The distance from Pottsville to Philadelphia 
would often be made in a day and a half. 

Horses and mules were used to tow boats after 1826. Before 
that they were pulled by men pushing against a stick fastened to 
the rope that pulled the boat, called the tow line. A trip from Port 
Carbon and return usually required six weeks. 

The business of the canal company was good. In 1842, over 
500,000 tons of produce were taken through the canal. Dividends 
were high and shares which originally cost fiftv dollars were sold 
as high as one hundred and seventy-five dollars. The boats were 
about seventeen feet wide, one hundred feet long and carried about 
ninety tons of coal. 

For a time the company offered a premium for making a 
trip quickly. In 1870 the canal was leased to the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company for 000 years. 

TURNPIKES AND OTHER ROADS. 

Tulpehocken road. Up to the war of 1812, Berks was chiefly 
an agricultural count}. No provision had been made to sup- 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 



93 



ply the land with a fertilizer of any kind. It was about this time 
that the value of lime for this purpose was discovered and it came 
into general use. The fact that slacked lime, when mixed with sand, 
would harden and serve as plaster for building', was learned about 
the same time. Lime kilns "were erected and the hauling of wood 
to the kilns and lime to the towns and fields made the need of roads 
and bridges felt more keenly, just as automobiles today cause the 
building of macadamized roads. Many cross roads and many less im- 
portant roads were also built and the- streams were spanned with 
bridges. 



,.,,.. 


lllilpAfcSi. 












<r 


iii 


wat** 




. - ' 

















REMAINS OF PIONEER ROAD NEAR KUTZTOWN, PA. LAID OUT ABOUT 175n. 

The Schuylkill Ford was a convenient crossing place for the 
Indians and many of their paths met here. The first road of which 
a record remains was laid out from Philadelphia to Tulpehocken 
in 1087. This was known as the Tulpehocken road. It passed 
through what is now Womelsdorf, Rehrersburg and across the Blue 
Mountains to the Suscpiehanna. 

Berks and Dauphin turnpike. The Berks and Dauphin Turn- 
pike Company was chartered in ISO.") and the Tulpehocken road was 



94 



THE STOKY OF BERKS COUNTY 



piked from Reading to Womels- 
dorf in 1S17. The first Penn 
Street Bridge was completed a 
year earlier. In 1S22 the length 
of this pike was .'!4 miles. 

It was the custom to place 
milestones along the early piked 
roads. On these the distance to 
prominent places was cut. Many 
of the original milestones are still 
in places along the principal roads. 
Maidencreek or Easton road. In 
1745 a road was laid out from Par- 
vin's Mill, near the mouth of the 
Maidencreek, to Reading, in 
almost a straight line. In 1753 
it was extended to Easton by 
the commissioners of Berks and 
Northampton Counties. It is now 
the great highway between Read- 
ing and Allentown. 
milestone. The story is told that a young 

man who lived at Parvin's Mill 
and was influential with the politicians of those days, was court- 
ing a young lady who lived in Reading. So much difficulty did 
he have in making his weekly trips through the roadless woods, 
that he used his influence with the politicians, who arranged for 
the building of the road. 

Centre turnpike. In 1805 the Centre Turnpike Company was 
formed for the purpose of building a road from Reading to Sun- 
bury. This company piked the Maidencreek road to Parvin's Mill. 
From this point they constructed a road through Hamburg and 
Ashland to Sunbury. In \S'2'2 the total distance piked was 75 
miles. 

The Oley road. A petition to build a road from the "Lutheran 
Meeting House," at Tulpehocken, to the "Quaker Meeting House,'* 




INDU8TEIAL DEVELOPMENT 95 

in Oley, was presented to the Philadelphia Court in 1727. In 1736 
it was built from the ford at Reading to Amityville. 

The road from this "Old Philadelphia Road," near Schwartzwald 
Church, to what was called the King's High Way, (Pleasantvi'lle to 
Amityville), was laid out in 1755. This now constitutes the Oley Turn- 
pike and extends from Black Rear Inn to Pleasantville. It was piked 
in 1862 at a cost of $50,000. It is only ten miles long. 

Perkiomen turnpike. In 1810 the Oley road, from Reading to 
Black Bear, was made a part of the Perkiomen turnpike, extending 
from Reading through Douglassville and Pottstown to the Perkiomen 
Creek. In 1S22, this pike was twenty-nine miles long. 

The Schuylkill road. This road was surveyed in 1751. It 
entered Berks County from Chester County, and extended through 
Caernarvon, Robeson and Cumru Townships to the "Old Tulpehocken 
Road" opposite Reading. It was surveyed by George Roone and is 
twelve miles long. 

Other early roads. The Lancaster road was laid out in 1762-. 
It extends from Reading by way of Mohnton to Lancaster. 

The Bern road was laid out in 1772, and extends from Reading 
through Bern Townsbip. 

The Alsace road was laid out in 177<i. It started at a point on 
the Oley road in what is now Mt. Penn and extended through Alsace 
Township, and is now known as the Friedensburg road. 

The early turnpikes were well constructed. A bed of stone was 
placed upon the road and upon this finer stone or gravel. When 
crushed by travel this became a solid road-bed. To cover the ex- 
pense of maintaining the pikes and to earn dividends for the stock- 
holders, pike companies were allowed the privilege of collecting toll 
from parties who used the road. 

State highways. To encourage the building of good roads it 
has been the practice of the state for some years to assist the town- 
ships and to require the counties to do the same. When the State 
Highway law was enacted in 1905, the cost of building improved 
roads was divided as follows: The state 75'; , the county 12}% and 
tlie township YlV/< . 

The following districts in Berks County have taken advantage 
of this law: Cumru, Washington, Amity, Tilden and Hereford. In 



96 



THE STORY OF BERK8 COUNTY 




all about sixteen miles of these state-aid roads have been built in the 
county. 

In 1911 the state enacted a law assuming full charge of 8,000 miles 
of road in the commonwealth. This includes the following roads in 
Berks: 

The road across northern Berks, entering on the western line 
of Bethel Township and leaving the county on the eastern line of 
Albany ; the Centre Turnpike. Reading to Port Clinton ; Harrisburg 
Turnpike, Reading to Wernersville; the Lancaster road, Reading t© 

Adamstown : East- 
on road. Reading to 
Breinigsville; Fried- 
ensburg road. Read- 
ing to Boyertown ; 
road leading f r om 
Pottstown to Allen- 
town, passing through 
Southern Berks ; 
old stage coach. Perkioman Turn- 

pike, Reading to Pottstown ; Morgantown road, Reading to Morgan- 
town ; Schuylkill road, Reading to Pottstown; and the road in the 
southern end of the county, leading from Birdsboro to Joanna. 

Stages and stage lines. Martin Hausman, in 1789, drove the 
first stage coach between Philadelphia and Reading for carrying let- 
ters and passengers. He made weekly trips which required two days 
and charged two dollars for a passenger and three pence for a letter. 
The line from Philadelphia was soon extended to Hamburg, 
Orwigsburg and Sunbury. In ISIS two trips from Hamburg to Sun- 
bury were made every week. The stage left Philadelphia Tuesdays 
and Saturdays at 3 A. M., and reached Reading at five, and remained 
at Hamburg over night. It left Hamburg at •"» A. M. the following 
morning and arrived at Sunbury at 111 P. M. upon the succeeding day. 
A line to Womelsdorf and Allentown was started about the 
same time and another to Allentown and Easton. 

It must not be assumed that the same team of horses was used 
to make these long trips, for relay stations were established so 
that each team worked about half a dav. 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 



97 



That the stage coach business was important is shown by the 
fact that one of the managers of the line owned one thousand 
horses. Elliptical steel springs did not come into general use until 
1855, so that the stages usually rode like log-wagons and in many 
cases they left their starting points as early as 2 A. M. 

The stage coach business prospered until the introduction of 
railroads, when it rapidly declined. The line to Philadelphia was 
discontinued in 1838; Pottsville, 1842; Harrisburg, 1858; and Allen- 
town, 1859. Stages which carried mail and merchandise to the 
remote parts of the county continued until the advent of the trolley 
roads, when these, too. were gradually abandoned and now but 
few of them remain. 

The business caused by these stages was considerable. Drivers, 
inn-keepers, coach-makers, smiths, and toll-keepers were busy 
people. With the stage there usually arrived not only strangers, 
but friends, newspapers, letters and parcels for delivery. The stage 
coach is practically a thing of the past and in its place we have 
trains, trolleys, parcels' delivery and best of all rural free delivery 
of mails. The blessings and advantages of trolley cars, bicycles and 
automobiles we appreciate fully only when we remember how our 
grandparents lived a century ago. 

RAILROADS. 

Philadelphia & Reading. The first railroad built in America 
is now called the Switchback Railroad. It was about nine miles 




AN EARLY RAILROAD TRAIN. 

long and was built to haul coal from Summit Hill to the Lehigh Riv- 
er. Canals were not in operation very long until wise men saw that it 
would be cheaper and better to carry coal upon wheels. The first 
move with this end in view was made in 1833, when the Little 
.Schuylkill Railroad Company was chartered to build a railroad from 



98 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

1 '< irt Clinton to Reading. This company had another charter for 
a railroad between Port Clinton and Tamaqna. 

In the same year a charter was granted to the Philadelphia & 
Reading Railroad Company to build a road from Reading to Phila- 
delphia. A large portion of it was completed during 1835, and 
in 1837 one track was completed from Reading to Pottstown. A 
train left the depot at Reading at 9 A. M. and arrived at Pottstown 
in 2^4 hours. 

It was soon learned that the Little Schuylkill Railroad Com- 
pany was unable to construct a road from Port Clinton to Reading. 
Its charter was therefore yielded to the Philadelphia & Reading 
Railroad Company, which was authorized to construct a railroad 
to Pottsville. The first train ran over the entire line from Phila- 
delphia to Pottsville on the first day of January in 1842. The entire 
distance is ninety-four miles. In building this line it was necessary 
to construct two long tunnels; one near Phoenixville, 930 feet in 
length, and another near Port Clinton, sixteen hundred and six- 
feet in length. Both of these enterprises were considered great 
engineering feats ami cost thousands of dollars. A second track 
from Philadelphia to Pottsville was completed in 1844. 

It was the building and the operating of this road that made 
it possible for Reading to grow, and enabled the farmers to ship 
their produce to the cities, thus making Berks County one of the 
great agricultural districts of Pennsylvania. 

Lebanon Valley. The Lebanon Valley Railroad Company 
was incorporated by an act of Assembly passed on April 1, 1836. It 
was given the privilege of building a railroad from Reading to 
Harrisburg. It was so worded that it was necessary to secure a 
subscription of four thousand shares before the charter could be 
used. This amount of subscription could not be secured and so the 
matter of building the railroad was held up for seventeen years. 
Finally some one thought of the idea of having the city of Reading 
and the city of Lebanon subscribe for some of the required shares 
of stock. This idea caused a great difference of opinion. The Read- 
ing Adler was opposed to such subscription while the Journal and 
the Press favored it. On the 5th of April. 1853. an act was passed 
giving these cities the power of so doing and the matter was finally 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 99 

left to an election which terminated in favor of having - the cities 
buy the stock. The Supreme Court at Pittsburgh delivered an opin- 
ion that the subscription could legally be made and the City Coun- 
cils accordingly issued city bonds to pay for the stock. 

The Lebanon Valley Railroad Company, in 1857, was consoli- 
dated with the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. After 
the consolidation was made the road was completed and the city 
bonds were returned in exchange for stock. 

On Monday, January 18, 1858, trains were rnn from Reading to 
Harrisburg, but trains had been rnn to Lebanon in 1857. The first 
train covering the entire route consisted of ten passenger cars and 
carried a number of prominent citizens. While the road 
was being built there was cpiite a little trouble because a num- 
ber of workmen struck for higher wages and refused to allow other 
laborers to work in their stead. It is said that they injured their 
foreman and set fire to a portion of the road in the vicinity of 
Womelsdorf where the trouble occurred. They were finally ar- 
rested and taken to Reading. The length of this railroad is fifty- 
four miles. 

East Penn. The Reading & Lehigh Railroad Company was 
incorporated by an act of Assembly passed on the 9th of March, 
185G. It was to construct a railroad from Allentown to a junction 
on the Philadelphia & Reading and Lebanon Valley Railroads at 
Reading. The building of the road began in 1857 and it was com- 
pleted in two years. A celebration was held at Temple at the time 
when the last spike was driven. It was leased to the Philadelphia 
& Reading Railroad Company in 1861 for 999 years. 

Reading & Columbia. While the agitation was going on 
which resulted in building a railroad extending from Harrisburg 
to Allentown a plan to connect Reading with Columbia, on the 
Susquehanna, was also discussed. The Reading & Columbia Rail- 
road Company was incorporated on May 1!>, 1857. It extends from 
Sinking Spring to Columbia, a distance of forty miles. It was 
completed in 1864. 

Wilmington & Northern. On April 20, L864, an act of Assem- 
bly was passed authorizing a number of commissioners to build a 
road from some point on the Philadelphia & Reading to anv 



100 THE 8TORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

place in Chester County. The company was called the Berks and 
Chester Railroad Company. In 1800 authority was given to con- 
nect a road with the Delaware and Pennsylvania State Line Rail- 
road. After the combination had been made it was called the Wil- 
mington and Northern Railroad Company. It was open for travel 
from Wilmington to Coatesville in 180!) ; to Birdsboro in 1870 ; and 
to Reading in 1874. For a time the road had an independent pas- 
senger station in Reading. In 1882 arrangement was made by 
which the trains were run into the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road station. The latter company now controls it. 

Colebrookdale. The Colebrookdale Railroad Company was 
incorporated by an act of assembly passed in March, 1805. It re- 
ceived authority to construct a railroad from Pottstown to Boyer- 
town. This road was finally completed and opened for traffic in 
November. ISO!). It was later extended to Barto. On January 1, 
1870, the Colebrookdale Railroad was leased to the Philadelphia and 
Reading. 

Schuylkill & Lehigh. The Berks County Railroad Company 
was incorporated by the Legislature in March, 1871. A number of 
commissioners were appointed who were authorized to construct 
a railroad from a point near Birdsboro through the city of Read- 
ing, and to connect with any railroad which was then constructed 
in Lehigh County. 

The railroad was finally completed and began its traffic in July, 
1874. It extends from Reading to Slatington. It was mortgaged 
and sold to another company, who went under the name of the 
Schuvlkill and Lehigh Railroad Company. It is now operated by 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company under a lease. 
The road is about forty miles long. 

Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley. The Phoenixville, Pottstown 
and Reading Railroad Company and the Philadelphia. Norristown 
and Phoenixville Railroad Company were united into one com- 
pany in 1883, under the name of the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Val- 
ley Railroad Company. Xot long afterward the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road Company leased it and constructed a railroad from Philadel- 
phia to Reading. This road was opened for traffic to the people 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 



101 



of Reading on November 15, 1884. This road has its Reading sta- 
tion at the foot of Penn street, and in order to permit its construc- 
tion at this point, the old wooden Penn Street bridge was removed 
and a costly iron one erected in its stead, which has since been re- 
placed by a modern re-inforced concrete viaduct. 

Not long afterward another company was incorporated and 
went by the name of the Reading and Pottsville Railroad Com- 
pany. This corporation constructed a railroad from Reading to 
Pottsville, which continued; the railroad from Philadelphia. It was 
opened for traffic on Dec. 7, 1885. The Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company leased this line in 1885. 

Allentown. In January, 1870, a railroad was projected by the 
Allentown Railroad Company, which extended from Allentown to 
Port Clinton. This railroad was never finished, but it was built 
from Topton to Kutztown. It was also leased by the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad Company. 




HORSE CAR. 

Other railroads. Authority was granted to the manufacturers 
of Reading to build a railroad from the Lebanon Valley Railroad 
to a point near the Reading das Works. This railroad was nec- 
essary in order to carry their goods to and from the shops. 

The road was at last completed and began to carry on its 
traffic in the year 1863. It is nearlv two miles in length. Its oper- 



102 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

ation went on for about ten years under this company, when it was 
afterward operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- 
pany, who used it for receiving and delivering freight. 

In 1902 the belt line was opened, from a point on the main 
line of the P. &. R. Railroad, several miles above Reading, to a 
point on the same line two miles below Reading. It was built to 
relieve the great congestion through Reading. There is also a 
railroad from Trexlertown to the ore mines near Kline's Corner, in 
Longswamp, and another from Alburtis to Rittenhouse Gap, also in 
Longswamp, with a branch to Seisholtzville, Hereford Township, 
where good building granite is quarried. 

Projected railroads that have not been completed are the Al- 
lentown. from Kutztown to Port Clinton, the South Mountain from 
Hamburg to Jonestown, with a branch from Reading to Strauss- 
town. A railroad is now being built from the ore mines in Earl 
Township to Stowe. 

Trolley roads. Reading had a street railway as early as 
1S74. The cars were drawn by horses. It was not until 1888 that 
the first electric railroad was built in the county. It extends from 
Reading to the Black Bear Inn. When the first car moved along 
without horses it was quite a curiosity, and many people came from 
a distance to see this new method of propulsion. Many were so 
anxious to take a ride that they crawled into the car through the 
windows. The Stony Creek line was built in 1890. It extends from 
Mt. Penn to Stony Creek Mills. In 1892 electricity was introduced 
as a motive power on the Reading Street Railways. In 1!>02 the 
Boyertown road was built. It extends from Carsonia Park to 
Boyertown. In 1908 a road was opened from Boyertown to Potts- 
town. In 1904 a road was built from Black Bear to Birdsboro. 

The Mohnton line was put into service in 1890. In 1894 it 
was extended to Adamstown, where connections are made for Lan- 
caster. 

The \\*omelsdorf road was opened in 1894, extending from 
Reading to Womelsdorf. It is intended to build a line from Womels- 
dorf to Mverstown, and thus connect with the lines' to Lebanon and 
Harrisburg. 



INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 103 

In 1002 the Temple road was opened, and in 10(14 a line was 
extended to Kutztown where it connected with the Allentown road, 
built in 1808. 

It is intended to build a line from Temple to Hamburg and one 
from Lyons to Macungie. These trolley lines have stimulated build- 
ing operation in suburban towns to a remarkable degree, and g-ave 
the sections through which they run a splendid service in handling 
passengers, freight and mail. 

SCENIC RAILROADS. 

In 1.800, the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad was built. It is in- 
tended altogether for pleasure and sig'ht seeing. At first the cars 
were drawn to the summit of the mountain by locomotives, but for a 
number of years electricity has been used for this purpose. From 
the summit the cars descend by gravity over a road that winds 
through the hills and brings the cars back to the starting point. The 
road covers a distance of nine miles. 

The Neversink Mountain Railroad was built in 1880. It extends 
from 0th and Penn Streets, Reading to Klapperthal, a distance of 
eleven miles. The motive power is electricity. 

These roads afford magnificent scenery and are traversed an- 
nuallv bv thousands of visitors. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



EDUCATION. 

Among the 11,294 German Protestants who came to America 
in 1700, there were eighteen school-masters. In the early days of 
the county the schools were under the direction of the church. The 
teachers often were sub-preachers and in addition to their school 
duties they had catechetical classes, read sermons, baptized children, 
and wrote out baptismal certificates. 

Parochial schools. In those early days there were the paro- 
chial schools which were conducted under the direction of the 
church. They were always under the direct control of the pastors 




OLD PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, KUTZTOWN, PA. 

and managers of the church. The -children of the poor were taught 
gratis, and the teachers as a rule were good. These schools were 
usually held in the church building or in a school house on the 



EDUCATION 106 

same premises. George Steifel was teacher in the school connected 
with the Reformed Church at Tulpehocken as early as 1731. The 
Lutheran Church in the same place employed Casper Luthecker, a 
tailor, to teach school, read sermons, and catechise children prior 
to 1735. The Longswamp congregations employed Frederick Holl- 
wig as teacher and cantor as early as 1753, and at Oley a parochial 
school was being conducted before 1718. The Lutheran Church in 
Richmond Township secured one hundred acres of land 
for a parsonage and a school house. A school house has 
stood close to the church for a longer time than anyone can remem- 
ber. The following is taken from the records of this congregation: 
"That it is our most earnest desire that the teacher, as well as the 
preacher, shall be fairly compensated, so that he can live with his 
family like an honest man, without being obliged to engage in any 
business foreign to his profession. To this end, the teacher and 
the preacher shall have the land and the house upon it free, as 
long as they officially serve the congregation, and, as far as it is 
reasonable, they may use the same as serves them best." 

Quaker schools. The Friends had three such parochial 
schools ; one in Maidencreek, another in Robeson and another in 
Exeter. The one in Exeter was begun about 1790 and continued 
until 1800, when the school property was sold to the township. At 
this school, however, a "Subscription" was paid and it was attended 
b) others as well as Friends. In 1738, there were seventv families 
of Friends living in Maidencreek Township. From the records of 
1781 we learn that : "At Maidencreek a school is kept by Thomas 
Pearson, a Friend, who is at present engaged for a vear; has 
fifteen scholars entered for that time, and eight quarterlv, at the 
rate of forty shillings each." The school was under the direction of 
overseers, chosen by employers. 

This school was held in an old loo- school house, which was 
replaced by a stone building in 18(17. This structure is still stand- 
ing. During the early part of the last century this was the only 
school house in that section of the county. 

A Committee on education was appointed by the church or 
meeting, as it was called, and this committee engaged the teachers, 
visited the school, and had charge of the building. Here teachers 



!06 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

were paid by those who sent pupils and in cases of those who were 
too poor the expenses were paid by the committee if the parents 
were members of the meeting. Many of its pupils later came from 
quite a distance though it never was a regular boarding school. 
Persons from Reading who wished to prepare themselves for sur- 
veying are reported to have attended this school. The school was 
continued until 1871 and in the days of its greatest usefulness it 
spread the desire for learning for which the locality has ever been 
noted. 

Catholic schools. Father Schneider became rector of the 
"Mission of Goshenhoppen" in Washington Township in 1741, and 
in a small room of his dwelling house he taught school as early as 
1743. His dwelling had two stories, one room on each floor. It is 
still standing, and is the oldest school house in the county. It is 
used as part of the present rector's dining room. The school is 
said to have been kept open, without interruption, to the time of the 
free schools, and, what is strangest of all, it is kept open from year 
to year at the present time, to all intents and purposes a parochial 
school, yet within the range of the common school law. 

Moravian schools. The Moravians erected a building for 
school purposes in Oley as early as 1742. This building was framed 
forty-one feet square and three stories high. The first story was 
divided into four rooms with large open fire places. The second 
was divided into two halls, one for public worship and the other 
for school purposes. A new building was erected about 1776. This 
is still standing. 

Pay schools. These schools were managed by private indi- 
viduals. All who attended them had to pay. As a general thing the 
teachers were not as good as in the parochial schools, and as no rec- 
ords were kept but little that is definite can be said of these schools. 
They existed in every community. About 1765 Baron Stiegel became 
school-master of such a pay school at Womelsdorf. He came to 
America before 1750 and engaged in the iron business. He lived in a 
castle, like a German baron, until he was imprisoned for debts. He 
served but a short time as teacher when he disappeared. About 
twenty years later an old white-haired hermit, looking like Rip Van 
Winkle, was found on the mountain about nine aniles southeast of 



EDUCATION 107 

Womelsdorf, in his dying moments. Many of the early teachers were 
probably employed on the theory that he who can do nothing else 
can at least teac'h school. Father Christ, the great-grandfather of Dr. 
Nathan C. Schaeffer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, built 
a house and set it apart for a school house on the old Christ home- 
stead about two and one-half miles northwest of Kutztown. Until 
Greenwich Township accepted Free Schools this house was used for 
school purposes. Peter Wanner, kept such a pay school, in 'his own 
dwelling in Maidencreek Township, for many years. 

Charity schools. Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg and Michael 
Schlatter were the leaders in the Lutheran and Reformed Churches, 
in America in colonial times. Muhlenberg visited Tulpehocken in 
1743, and from that time on he directed the activities not only of the 
Lutheran churches, but of the schools connected with them as well. 
Schlatter's great desire was to see a school house connected with 
every church. In order to raise the money to accomplish this he went 
to Europe to secure funds to pay ministers and teachers. He re- 
turned the following year with men and money to instruct the poor 
Germans. Through his efforts a society was formed in England for 
the education of the Germans of Pennsylvania and to its funds the 
English king gave 1,000 pounds, and many of the nobles of England 
gave freely. The children of the English and Germans were to be 
instructed in catechisms approved by their parents and catechisms 
were to be printed in both languages. 

Six trustees were appointed to manage the fund and among them 
was Conrad Weiser, the father-in-law of Muhlenberg, and Schlatter 
was the general superintendent. There were two of these charity 
schools established in Berks County. One was at Reading and the 
other at Tulpehocken. 

Free schools. The Pennsylvania Germans always favored educa- 
tion, but they did oppose free schools. They did so not because free 
schools were to increase the educational advantages but because tfhey 
were to separate education from religion and take from the church 
and the clergy educational duties that they had exercised in some 
instances for a century. They felt sure that the success of the free 
schools meant the death of the church, and could not or would not 



10P THE STORY OF BERKS CODNTY 

see how the state could support education without separating it from 
religious influences of all kinds. Many of the people valued free 
education as they valued free speech and free religion, and yet 
thoroughly distrusted state control. The Germans were also especial- 
lv fearful lest state control would permanently establish the English 
language and exclude the German. 

While many Germans opposed these free schools, yet many of 
the most influential Germans favored them. The first governor that 
ever took a decided stand in their favor was a Pennsylvania German. 
Governor John Andrew Shultz, of Tulpehocken Township, favored 
free schools as early as 1827. The following sentence is taken from 
one of his messages to the state legislature: "What nobler incentive 
can present itself to the mind of a republican legislator, than a hope 
that his labors shall be rewarded by insuring to his country a race of 
human beings, healthy, and of vigorous constitution, and of minds 
more generally improved than fall to the lot of any considerable 
portion of the human family?" 

Even after the system was established through the efforts of 
Governor Wolfe, and others, a fierce war was waged against it and 
not until 1867, when the last district wheeled into line, was it 
established. 

In 1834 was passed the act which provided for the education of 
all the children of the Commonwealth at the expense of the public 
treasurv. This was one of the most important laws that the Penn- 
sylvania legislature ever enacted. The State Constitution adopted 
in 1790 provided that the legislature "shall provide for the establish- 
ment of schools through the state in such a manner that the poor 
may be taught gratis." An act to provide for the education of all 
the children of the state was passed in 1802 and approved in 181)4. 
According to this law those who were able to pay were required to 
do so. In 1809 the act of 1804 was again amended, and other 
changes were made from time to time. Eor thirty years the people 
had labored to establish a good school system, yet in 183:! less than 
24,000 children attended the schools of the state at public expense, 
most of which were taught by incompetent teachers. These schools 
were called "pauper schools," and were shunned by the rich and 
poor, since the children were classified as pay and pauper pupils. 



EDUCATION 109 

Free school act of 1834. A society favoring the establishment 
of free schools was formed in Philadelphia in 1827. Correspondence 
was opened with the leading men of every county, statistics were 
collected, and a unity of effort was secured. In 1834 a law was passed 
which made the schools free to all. 

This act inaugurated a new era in the education of the county. 
It provided that a tax should be levied on all taxable property and 
inhabitants ; that townships and towns should constitute school dis- 
tricts ; and that the managing of the schools should be left to six 
directors elected by the people. The legislature was authorized 
to appropriate funds, annually, from the state treasury to aid the 
work of education. 

In 1835 a powerful effort was made to repeal the free school 
act of 1834. A bill repealing the law was passed by the Senate and 
the next day, (April 11, 1835), was discussed in the House. Hon. 
Thaddeus Stevens, a member from Adams County, made the speech 
which won the victory for free schools. Governor George Wolfe, 
the unflinching friend of the free schools, promised to use the veto 
power if necessary to keep the law in force, and so sacrificed his 
political friends. Governor Wolfe was followed as Governor by 
Joseph Ritner, a Pennsylvania German, who was a firm advocate 
of the free school law. He resolved that the law should be en- 
forced, and it was. 

Some of the arguments for the free education of all of the chil- 
dren w r ere that such education would create idleness, vice and 
crime ; and that the money required would bankrupt the state. On 
the day for the opening of the final battle between those favoring 
free education and those who opposed it. the chaplain in his open- 
ing prayer besought the Almighty God "to lav bare His strong 
right arm and save the state from the poverty and bankruptcy which 
were sure to follow if the people were to have their propertv wrested 
from them for the free education of all the children." 

Early school buildings and furnishings. From such records 
as exist it seems that the great majority of school houses that ex- 
isted during the colonial days were made of logs with stones, clav 
and dirt to fill out the spaces between them. In this building there 



110 



THE STOKY OF BERKS COUNTY 




EDUCATION 



111 



was generally a dirt floor and but little furniture, except benches 
made of slabs. The only means of heating was an open hearth 




EIGHT-CORNERED SCHOOL HOUSE. 

beneath a large chimney, upon which logs were burned. 

A new style of building came into use just about the time of 
the close of the Revolutionary War. This new type was built of 
stones and the walls were made so that the house had eight sides. 
This shape was also very much used for meeting houses. The walk 
were often three feet thick, plastered and whitewashed on the in- 
side. A building of this kind may yet be seen at Sinking Spring. 
It is now used as a dwelling. 

Instead of individual adjustable seats and drinking fountains 
and automatic ventilating arrangements, these buildings had a slop- 
ing shelf built against the sides of the walls. Upon this books, 
paper, and slates were rested, while the school work was going on. 
A horizontal shelf was placed below the flat one and upon this 
were placed such school things as were used by the pupils. A 
table with small or low benches around it stood near the middle 
of the room for the smaller pupils. As many as eighty pupils were 
often enrolled during the winter season in one school. The school 



112 



THE STORY OF B3RKS COUNTY 



was not overcrowded so long as any more children could be placed 
upon the benches. The door was usually on the southern side and 
the master's desk was directly opposite. Truly it could be said : 

"Within the master's desk is seen, 
Deep scarred by raps official, 
The warping floor, the battered seats, 
The jack-knife's carved initial." 

Wooden blackboards early decorated the walls. They were 
hung above the desks and in order to write upon them the children 

had to climb upon the sloping 
desks and sit upon their knees. 
A large iron wood stove 
stood in the middle of the 
room and often nearly roasted 
the little ones who sat near it. 
The wood was furnished by the 
patrons of the school and chop- 
ped by the larger boys. This 
was exercise far more vigor- 
ous than the manual training 
of our days. 

School exercises. The writ- 
ing was done upon foolscap 
paper with quill pens which 
the master made and kept in 
repair. The copy was set in a 
good, firm, bold, legible hand 
by the master and usually 
old wood stove. contained some worthy senti- 

ment, such as, "A rolling stone gathers no moss," or, "A man of 
words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds." 

The Testament or the Psalter were the readers. The master was 
also often the leader of the church choir and therefore the singing in 
the schools was usually excellent. The punishments were often 
very severe and cruel, but the order was generally good. 




EDUCATION 



113 



The little red school house followed those of stone, and these, 
in turn, are giving way to the centralized consolidated schools and 
school building's. 




OLD FRANKLIN ACADEMY, KUTZTOWN. 

Keystone State Normal School. The Franklin Academy was 
founded at Kutztown in 1836, and the Fairview Seminary in 1860. 
Professor H. R. Nicks was its first principal. He opened the school 
with three pupils, one of whom was Nathan C. Schaeffer. Bv April 
1861, there were 41 on the roll and by 1863 there were 85 students. 
Professor Nicks and County Superintendent Frmentrout were 
the leaders of the movement that changed this academy into 
the Keystone State Normal School. A building costing $6,500 was 
erected on a tract of five acres of land. In this building, in the fall of 
1S(»4, Professor Nicks opened what was known as Maxatawny Sem- 
inary. The academy was changed into the Normal School in 1866, 
when the cornerstone of the first building was laid. 

Academies. The YVomelsdorf Academy was established in 
1828 and continued until 1855. A second (Union Academy) w^as 
established in 1866 which continued until 1876. 



114 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




EDUCATION 115 

The old Tulpehocken Academy was located one mile west of 
Stouchsburg, and was founded in 1831. The Stouchsburg Academy 
was founded as a stock concern in 1838 and continued until 1862. 

Mount Pleasant Seminary was begun in Boyertown in 1S42. 
The Kallynean Academy was also conducted at this place for a 
short time. 

A private school was conducted at Amityville as early as 1820. 
An academy was started in 1842 which flourished for ten years. 

Several academies have flourished in the vicinity of Birdsboro. 
The first school house was built in 1820, and the Philomathean 
Academy in 1855, and the Birdsboro Academy in 1866. 

The Oley Academy was located at Friedensburg and was estab- 
lished in 1859. In 1875 a fine boarding house was erected to accom- 
modate the students of this school. It has since become a township 
High School. 

County superintendents. The office of County Superintendent 
of schools was established in 1854. He is elected every four years 
by a convention of all the school directors in the County. In Berks 
he receives a salary of $2,500 a year. He is paid by the state. 

It is his duty to license teachers, except those who have state 
certificates or normal diplomas, to visit the schools of the county, 
conduct County and District Institutes and have general supervision 
of the schools. Under the school code the Superintendent of Berks 
may appoint two assistants. 

Following is the list of those who have served as County Super- 
intendent together with their terms of service: 

Win. A. Good 1854-1860. 

John S. Ermentrout 1860-1860. 

David B. Brunner 1869-1875. 

Samuel A. Baer 1875-1881. 

David S. Keck 1881-1890. 

Wm. M. Zechman 1890-1896. 

Fli M. Rapp 1896- 

William A. Good. William A. Good was the first county super- 
intendent of schools. He was born at Philadelphia in 1810, and came 



116 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

to Reading in 1851. He was elected in June, 1854, and served until 
1860. Ft>r the first year 'his salary was .$250, but when the people saw 
what was required and noted the work accomplished, his salary was 
raised to $1,000. 

Air. Good, though mild in 'his ways, was a hard worker. He 
understood the prejudices of the people, and accomplished more for 
the schools of the county than many gave him credit for. His name 
will be c'heris'hed as the pioneer in the cause of the common school 
education of Berks County, as long as the system, which his labors 
made popular, will continue to flouris'h. 

John S. Ermentrout. John S. Ermentrout was :iie second super- 
intendent of the county, filling the office for three terms, from I860 
to 1869. Professor Ermentrout was born in Womelsdorf. His 
salary for the first term was f 1,000; for the last two, f 1,250. Professor 
Ermentrout was, so to say, "to the manor born," and accomplished 
much for the schools of his county. 

In I860, the average salary paid to the teachers of the county 
was $21.75; in 1860, it was $ 32.15. By moving among the people, 
in his peculiar, suave, and easy way, he did much to reconcile them 
to free schools. Professor Ermentrout must always receive credit 
for being the first to assert publicly, both at home and abroad, the 
riglits and excellencies of the German element. He boldly asserted 
the truth, that they have as much brains as any other class of people. 
and, if they arc properly educated, they make the very best class of 
citizen:-.. 

The establishment of the Keystone State Normal School is due 
to Professor Ermentrout as much as to any one individual. It is the 
crowning work of his administration. During the last two years of 
his term, he acted as principal of the above institution, and his brother, 
James N. Ermentrout, Esq., was deputy superintendent. 

David B. Brunner. David B. Brunner was superintendent from 
ISO!) to 1875. His salary for the first term was $1,250; for the second 
term, $1,800. Professor Brunner was born in Amity. He was the 
first superintendent of the county, who rose from the position of a 
common school teacher to this high office. Before his election to the 



EDUCATION 117 

superintendency he had charge of a classical and scientific school in 
Reading. His was an administration of hard and earnest work. To 
Professor Brunner is due the honor of inculcating views throughout 
the county in regard to buildings and furniture. He delivered a great 
many lectures on the sciences, of which he made a specialty. He 
aimed at introducing a course of study into the different districts, by 
having them adopt district programs. 

Samuel A. Baer. Samuel A. Baer was elected in 1875, and served 
two terms. Salary $1,800. He was born near Kutztown in Green- 
wich Township. In the pursuance of his duties as superintendent, he 
endeavored to keep in view three essentials: First. To raise the 
standard of the teacher. Second, To urge the practice and use of the 
English language. Third, The adoption of a standard course of 
stud)'. 

In his report to the state superintendent in 1877, Professor Baer 
gave a very complete history of the educational movement in Berks. 
He traced its development from the days of the old log sc'hool house 
beside the pioneer church to the academy, the first free school, and 
the normal school. 

David S. Keck. David S. Keck was born in Lehigh County, 
October 0, 1851', and there acquired his early education in the public 
schools. When ten years old he left home to make his way by his 
own exertions, working for a time in the iron-ore mines of Lehigh 
County. Ambitious to extend his education, he attended the Normal 
School at Kutztown, from whic'h he graduated in 1874. He taught 
public schools in Lehigh, Berks and Luzerne counties, officiated as 
principal of the High School of Hamburg from 1874 to 1877. and 
as superintendent of the Model Department at the Normal School at 
Kutztown, from 1877 to 1881, when he was elected County Super- 
intendent. 

He served three terms — nine years. After his retirement, he 
served the U. S. Government in the capacity of Superintendent of 
Indian Schools and later he became teacher of history and grammar 
at the Kutztown Normal School. 

William M. Zechman. William M. Zechman was born in Penn 
Township, Berks County, in a lock-house along the old Union Canal. 



118 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



At an early age he was appointed to teach in his native township. 
He graduated from the Kutztown Normal School in 1883 and in L890 
was elected County Superintendent. 

He became one of the most enthusiastic advocates of the Free 
Text Book System in Pennsylvania, and succeeded in securing the 
adoption of the system in about half the townships before the law was 
enacted. At his suggestion, the Berks County Teachers' Reading 
Union was organized. 

School libraries were advocated during his term of office, and 
quite a number were started. He was instrumental in organizing the 
School Directors' Association and the prime mover in erecting a 
memorial in honor of Conrad Weiser. 

Eli M. Rapp. Eli M. Rapp was elected County Superintendent 
in 1896, and has served continuously ever since. He was born in 




MODERN TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL-CONSOLIDATED. 

Friedensburg, Oley Township, March 20, 1865; was educated in 
the public schools of Oley and Maxatawny, Oley Academy. Normal 



EDUCATION 119 

School at Kutztown and University of Pennsylvania. He taught 
mixed country schools in Penn and Pike, the grammar grade at 
Lyons, the Pligh School at Fleetwood and served for five years as 
the supervising principal of the Hamburg schools. He is an active 
member of the National Education Association and a life member of 
the State Educational Association. As a student of country life 
problems and a worker for rural betterment, he has attained a national 
reputation. The high rank and efficiency of the schools of Berks 
County are largely due to his untiring and enthusiastic labors. 



CHAPTER IX. 



GOVERNMENT. 

Finances. The task of raising money to conduct the govern- 
ment in a just and satisfactory manner is a difficult one. and in no 
country has it been done with entire success. ( )ur plan of taxing, 
to us, seems the best that has yet been tried, but even in this coun- 
try this opinion is far from heing unanimous. 

Every tax should he levied so as Not to be easily evaded; 

to bear with proportionate hardship upon all, and to be easily and 
cheaply collected. 

Kinds of taxes. The taxes levied in the county are the follow- 
ing: 

1. A Property Tax. This is a tax upon all property, real 
estate and personal, which people may possess. Personal property 
includes bonds, mortgages, building loan shares and the like. 

Under the present law the assessments are made in the fall of 
the year. Each person is given a blank form by the assessor upon 
which he is requested, under oath, to state the amount of all the 
bonds, mortgages, and money on interest which he may have. These 
blanks are later used by the assessor to make up his report. 

Property other than personal is called real estate. In order 
that tax may be levied upon it. its value must be determined. This 
is done every third year when the assessor makes his assessment. 
The assessor is supposed to rate real estate at its full value, but it 
is seldom rated higher than two-thirds of its value. 

2. Occupation Tax. All offices and posts of profit, professions, 
trades and occupations, and all men above the age of twenty-one 
years who do not follow any particular occupation or calling must 
be assessed. In Berks these occupations are assessed in grades 
varying from $50 to $1,000. 

3. A Collateral Inheritance Tax. This tax is collected by the 
state on sums of money inherited by persons who are not members 



GOVERNMENT 121 

of the immediate family of the deceased person whose estate is being" 
divided. 

4. Dog Tax. A tax of fifty cents is levied on each dog. 

5. Mercantile Tax. Each merchant pays a tax of $2.00, and in 
addition, one mill on every dollar's worth of business that he trans- 
acts. The mercantile appraiser requires each merchant to fill out 
a blank form in which he states, under oath, the volume of business 
transacted by himself during the year. 

6. Liquor Licenses. The tax derived from liquor license is 
the same throughout the state. In cities of the third class, like Read- 
ing, it is $550, of which $50 goes to the state, $100 to the county, 
and $400, less the County Treasurer's fee, to the city. In boroughs 
the license is $200, of which $50 goes to the state, $30 to the county 
and $120, less the Treasurer's fee, to the borough. In townships it 
is $100, of which $25 goes to the state, $15 to the county and $0(1. 
less the Treasurer's fee. to the township. 

The monies returned to the districts must be applied to the im- 
provement of the highways. 

The county collects a license of $10.75 from each 'huckster. 

The state collects a license from each brewer, distiller, auction 
house, circus, theatrical troupe, pool room, broker and from amuse- 
ment houses in which vaudeville performances are given. A state 
tax is also collected on the capital stock of corporations, insurance 
companies and automobiles. 

Levying the taxes. An estimate of the probable expenditure 
for the year is made annually by the state, the county, the city, the 
boroughs and the townships for various purposes. As each of these 
parties know how much is collected and about what is to be raised 
by a property tax, each fixes its own rate of taxation. This is 
usually expressed by mills on each dollar's worth of property. A 
tax duplicate is made out, on which is indicated the amount of each 
kind of tax that the various individuals must pay. 

Collecting the taxes. The tax rates of the state, county and 
township are usually added together, the amount to be paid by each 
person computed and sent to the tax collector in one statement and 
collected in one sum. He turns over to the county treasurer all 



122 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

the state and county taxes, and to the local authorities their share 
of the tax collected. 

In townships and boroughs the tax collectors are elected. 
In the city they are appointed by the county commissioners. 

The school boards levy and collect their own taxes. 

In townships and boroughs, in order to encourage prompt pay- 
ment, a rebate of five per cent, is allowed on all taxes paid within 
ninety days after the tax duplicate is received by the assessor. The 
full amount of the tax is required for all amounts collected between 
September and January, and a penalty of five per cent, is paid 
on all taxes after January 1st. 

Real estate on which the taxes are not paid will be ordered 
sold at public auction, the county officers deducting the amount 
of taxes and the cost of the sale, turning over the balance to the 
former owner of the property. A certain amount of time is allowed 
the former owner in which he may redeem his property by paying 
the amount of tax and the cost of the sale. 

Party, politics, nominations and elections. In each locality 
there are men who believe in the same principles of conducting 
the government and who favor the election of men of their party 
to the various offices. This has been true from the beginning of the 
government of the United States. Hardly had the first election of 
Washington taken place, before differences of opinion arose as to 
the methods of raising revenue, of conducting banks, and interpret- 
ing the constitution. The men who believed in a liberal interpreta- 
tion of the constitution and a strong central government at Wash- 
ington were soon organized into a political party called Federalists, 
and the men who upheld the strict construction of the constitution 
and strong State governments were A nti- Federalists. Washington, 
Adams, and Hamilton were the leaders of the former; Jefferson, 
Madison, and Jackson of the latter. The question of interpreting 
the constitution and the tariff was the one that had the greatest 
effect in shaping the history of political parties in the United States. 

After the origin of national parties, it took but little time till 
party lines were drawn in the county. Each party maintains a 
national, a state, city, county, township, or borough committee. 



GOVERNMENT 123 

These committees care for the interests of their party in their respec- 
tive localities. 

The advantages of such government are numerous, though the 
three following are usually given : 

1. The party not in office watches the party in office very 
keenly and so keeps the party in power from injurious legislation. 

'2. The party not in power keeps up the discussion of the politi- 
cal questions so that the public in general is kept well informed. 

8. Party organization enables voters to act together for carry- 
ing out any policy, or for electing any candidate who may mutually 
be agreed upon. 

Who may vote. In the County voters must be registered on a 
list which the assessors are required to prepare at least sixty days 
previous to the election. In the city each voter must appear before 
the registration board in his precinct and register in person. A. 
voter in Pennsylvania must have these qualifications : 

1. He must be a male citizen of the State. 

2. He must be twenty-one years of age. 

3. He must have been a citizen of the United States at least 
one month before the election. 

4. He must have resided in the State one year before the elec- 
tion unless having been born in the State, or formerly a voter there, 
if he has returned after being a citizen elsewhere, he must reside 
in the State but six months. 

5. He must have resided in his election district at least two 
months before election. 

(j. If twenty-one years or more old, he must have paid a State 
or County tax within the past two years, and at least a month be- 
fore election. 

Many young men vote on age. This is possible only when they 
are between twenty-one and twenty-two years of age. Under these 
circumstances paying tax is not necessary. 

Primary elections. One primary election is held each year by 
all parties at the same time and place and under the same rules. The 
fall primary at which candidates for municipal offices are nominated, 
is held on the last Saturday of September in odd-numbered years. 
The spring primary, at which candidates for State offices are nom- 



124 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

mated and delegates to State and National conventions are elected, 
is held on the second Saturday of April in even-numbered years. 

The ballots for each party are furnished by the County Com- 
missioners, but the expense of holding the primaries is borne by 
the State. The polls are open from 2 P: M. to S P. M. Xo liquor 
dare be sold between 1 P. M. and P. M. The election officers re- 
ceive half pay. 

General and municipal elections. All officers are elected on 
the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. At the 
general election, held in even-numbered years. State and National 
officers are elected. At the municipal election, held in odd-num- 
bered years, township, borough, city and county officers, as well 
as election officers, are elected. 

The polls are open from 7 A. M. to 7 P. M. The ballots are 
furnished by the County Commissioners and the names of all can- 
didates appear on one sheet. To have the names of its candidates 
appear on this ballot, a party must have polled at the last election 
at least two per cent, of the highest number of votes cast for any 
State office. By filing proper nominating papers persons may have 
their names printed upon the ballots. Blank spaces are left on the 
ballots on which the voter may write the name of any person for 
whom he may wish to vote. 

In the same column of the regular election ticket are printed 
the names of all the candidates foi the same office. The county 
bears the expense of their preparation, and the}- must be placed 
into the hands of the election officers of each voting district on the 
day before the election. Extreme caution must be exercised that they 
are properlv sealed ; for it is considered a misdemeanor, punishable 
by a fine of $1,000, or one year's imprisonment, for any one except 
an election officer to have one of the regular ballots outside of the 
voting room, either before or after the election. 

More ballots must be sent to each polling place than the known 
number of voters, to be sure to have enough on hand to replace 
such as may be spoiled by imperfect marking. 

Specimen ballots of both the primary and regular elections may 
be procured of the election officers during the election. 



GOVERNMENT 125 

In each election district there is elected biennially a Judge of 
Election and two Inspectors. These are supposed to represent 
two different political parties. Each inspector appoints a clerk 
from his own party. These constitute the election officers. They 
are sworn to conduct the election fairly, secretly, and honestly, and 
may be punished if they neglect or fail to do so. The judge, in- 
spectors and clerk each receive $3.50 a day for their services on 
election day and the judge of election receives $1.00 a day for filing 
his report. 

Each party usually has watchers at the election. These may 
challenge voters whom they think are unqualified to vote. The 
inspectors have the power to decide upon the qualifications of such 
persons, and in case they disagree, the judge mav decide the ques- 
tion. 

The rooms in which the election is held must have a ballet box 
and a table around which the officers may sit. There must be 
present the ballots, the lists of registered voters, and in various 
parts of the room cards containing directions as to how to proceed 
in preparing and casting the ballots. Separated from the remainder 
of the room by a rail, there are from three to eighteen booths, 
screened so as to hide the upper part of each voter's person, that 
no one is able to see how he marks his ballot. 

When the voting stops the officers must spend all their time 
inspecting and counting the votes until the task is completed. Bal- 
lots improperly marked are not counted. The reports of the re- 
sult of the election are taken by the judge to the court house, 
where they are filed with the proper officials. After the election, 
the ballots and a record of their count is put into the ballot box. 
and this is then given to the Justice of the Peace for safekeeping 
until the next election. In the city all ballot boxes are returned 
to the court house. 

Election expenses. Each candidate for nomination or election, 
whether successful or not, must file with the Clerk of Quarter Ses- 
sions a sworn statement of his expenses. 

This must be done within fifteen days after a primary election 
and within 30 days after a general or municipal election. If his 



126 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

expenses are less than $50, a sworn statement to that effect is 
sufficient. 

\\ hat are considered legitimate expenses under the law are 
for printing, traveling, correspondence, meetings, rent, clerks, trans- 
portation of voters, etc. Candidates are liable to fine or imprison- 
ment or both for incurring illegitimate expenses. 

TOWNSHIP, BOROUGH AND CITY GOVERNMENT. 

Every acre of ground in the county is either under township, 
borough or city government, as well as under the government of the 
county, of the State, and of the United States. It is the government 
of the county, of the city, borough, and township with which as 
citizens of Berks County we come into the closest touch. 

These smallest areas for governmental purposes vary in size, 
shape and population. A new township may be created by dividing 
an old one when, after having received an order from the Court 
of Quarter Sessions, its citizens vote for such division, or when a 
petition is presented to the same court requesting such division. 
Such a petition must, however, be signed by the owners of twenty- 
five per cent, of the assessed valuation of the property within the 
proposed new township. 

Townships and boroughs and cities are political units, and as 
such, they can own, buy and sell property, borrow money, levy 
taxes and collect them, sue and be sued in courts of law. They 
are what is called municipal corporations. 

THE TOWNSHIP. 

The elective officers of the township are: Two Justices of the 
Peace, Constable, Assessor, three Supervisors, five School Directors, 
Tax Collector, three Auditors and the Election Officers. 

Justices of the Peace. Justices of the Peace are elected for 
a period of six years. The Justice holds a petty court for both civil 
and criminal cases. He issues warrants for the arrest of persons 
charged with crime. Any civil suit in which the amount involved 
is not over $300 may be brought into his court. His decision is 
final, however, onlv in suits involving $5.33 or less. lie administers 



GOVERNMENT 127 

oaths, attests signatures, and may issue search warrants, or per- 
form a marriage ceremony. He may receive in his court suits coming 
from an}- part of the county, but not from any other county. 

Persons arrested by the constable are usually brought before 
him for trial. He generally hears nothing but evidence against 
them, and releases them, or, in default of bail, sends them to jail 
as he thinks their case may warrant. In some of the minor cases, 
he may himself punish them by fine or imprisonment. He fixes the 
amount of bail upon wnich a prisoner may be released from jail 
until the time of his trial, and he decides whether the bail procured 
by the prisoner is satisfactory. A person whom he refuses to 
release on bail may be removed from jail only by a writ of habeas 
corpus (have you the bod}) issued by the court. He has the au- 
thority to hold inquests in the absence of the coroner. He is paid 
by fees. 

Constable. The constable is elected for a term of four years, 
and his general duty is to preserve the peace of the township. He 
performs for the petty court of the Justice of the Peace the same 
duties that the Sheriff performs for the county courts. When au- 
thorized to do so, he serves summons on witnesses, searches the 
premises of suspected persons for stolen goods and arrests parties 
suspected of crime. He has the authority to arrest parties violating 
the law without the usual warrant of the Justice of the Peace. 
He posts the official notice of the township election, and is sup- 
posed to be present at court to report any violations of the law 
that may have taken place in the township. He notifies persons 
of civil suits brought against them before the Justice of the Peace. 
Like the Justice of the Peace, he is paid by fees. 

Assessor. The assessor is elected every four years. His 
duties keep him busy for about three months in the year. He is 
supposed to put a value upon all property once every three years. 
This is called the triennial assessment. In the two vears which 
intervene he values new buildings which mav be erected and makes 
such alterations in the valuations of the property as the changes 
of the year may have made necessary. He makes a list of all 
monevs invested by the people living in his district which is sent. 



128 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

to the State capital, and on the basis of this report the investors 
are required to pay a tax of four mills to the State. Taxes of every 
kind are levied on the valuations fixed by the assessor. The County 
Commissioners may change the values so fixed, and in case they 
fail to do so, or if dissatisfaction is felt with their decision, appeal 
may be made to the courts. 

A valuation is placed upon the occupation of every voter in 
the township by the assessor. All the taxes are levied on this 
basis. Farmers do not pay taxes on an occupation valuation. 
Parties having no real estate must pay an occupation tax within 
the two years next preceding the election at which they desire to 
vote in order to be allowed to do so. Every assessor makes out 
a list yearly of all the voters in the township. Assessors receive 
$2.50 a day for each day's work. 

Tax Collector. The Tax Collector is elected every fourth year. 
He collects all of the township taxes except in some instances where 
road tax is collected by the supervisors, and school tax by a collector 
appointed by the School Board. He receives as pay a commission 
varying from two to five per cent, on the money lie collects. His 
term begins on the first Monday in April next after his election. 
He is required to give good security for the faithful performance 
of his duties. 

School Directors. Townships, boroughs and cities are divided 
into school districts according to their population as follows : 500,000 
or more population, first class; 30,000 to 50,000, second class; 5,000 
to 30,000, third class; less than 5,0011. fourth class. 

All townships in Berks belong to the fourth class and each has 
five school directors who serve for six years. 

They appoint teachers and fix their salaries; they build new 
school houses when they deem it necessary and see to the care and 
repair of the old ones; they fx the length of the school term and 
adopt the course of study; they levy the school tax and furnish the 
books and supplies needed. The directors of the entire county meet 
annually, and in May of every fourth year they convene to elect 
the County Superintendent. Women are eligible to be school di- 
rectors and county superintendents. The only time women vote in 



GOVERNMENT 129 

this State is as School Directors when they may vote for County 
Superintendent. School Directors receive no salary. The Secre- 
tary of the School Board often receives pay for his services, and the 
law allows the treasurer a commission of not more than two per cent, 
on the money expended. 

The State now appropriates $7,500,000 annually for school pur- 
poses, to the various school districts. One-half of this is divided in 
proportion to the number of teachers regularly employed, and one- 
half in proportion to the number of children between six and six- 
teen years residing in the respective school districts. It costs about 
$35,000,000 to conduct the schools of Pennsylvania for one year. 
No teacher may be paid less than $45 a month. 

Supervisors. Each township has three supervisors. They re- 
pair and keep in order the roads and bridges of the township and 
erect guide posts and to meet the expense of so doing they levy a 
tax which may not exceed ten mills on the dollar. In some town- 
ships the custom of "working out" the road tax prevails. By this 
plan each taxpayer is given an opportunity to work at the mending 
of the roads at a fixed amount per day, usually $1.50, until the 
amount of tax levied upon the individual is worked out. 

The Supervisors must divide the township into one or more 
districts. If there is but one district they appoint a superintendent 
of roads for the whole township. If there are more a roadmaster is 
appointed for each district. 

Such appointee s'hall work on the road himself and oversee the 
work of others. The pay of the supervisor is from $1.50 to $3.00 a 
day for actual service. 

A township making improved roads according to the plans of 
the state, receives from the state an amount equal to 50 per cent, of 
the road tax collected. 

Auditors. The auditors are elected for a term of four years, and 
it is their duty to audit the accounts of the township officers and see, 
that the taxes are properly collected and spent. A copy of their 
report must be filed with the court and at least five printed copies 
posted in conspicuous places, in the township. In addition it is the 
duty of the auditors to settle disputes concerning the building of line 
fences and to appraise sheep when killed by dogs ; 



130 THE STORY OF BERK8 COUNTY 

They receive $2.00 a flay for each day they are actually engaged 
in their duties. 

THE BOROUGH. 

Reasons For Borough Government. Township government does 
very well for a locality where a small number of people are scattered 
over a large area. When, however, a large number of people attempt 
to live in a small space so that pavements, street lights, a water sup- 
ply, and sewers must be provided, the township form of government 
will no longer meet the needs, and borough government is organized. 
When it is desired to establish a borough the majority of the voters 
of the village petition the Court of Quarter Sessions for the same. 
Notice of t'he petition is then published in at least one paper for a 
period of thirty days, after which, if the court approves the petition, 
the borough is incorporated. As the borough increases in size, if the 
majority of voters request it, t'he court may divide it into wards. 

Borough Council. Laws and regulations for the management 
of borough affairs are made by t'he Council. Such laws or rules are 
called ordinances. The Council is made up of men called Councilmen, 
Wiio are elected for four years and serve without pay. In boroughs 
having but a single ward there are seven Councilmen and their term 
is four years. A borough which has been divided into wards has from 
seven to nine Councilmen. 

Under the control of the Council are such things as levying taxes, 
paying bills, and, when necessary, borrowing money. It may mac- 
adamize the streets, provide lights, build fire houses, construct sewers, 
and furnish a water supply. It arranges for the cleaning of the streets, 
and provides protection against loss by fire. The Council must draw 
an order upon the treasury for all the borough bills before they can 
be paid. It employs each year a borough surveyor, a treasurer, a 
secretary and a solicitor and a roadmaster. All ordinances which 
pass the Council by a majority vote become a law in the borough, 
if signed by the Burgess; when he is unwilling to sign them he vetoes 
them, in which case they become an ordinance only if they again pass 
the Council by a two-thirds vote. 

Chief Burgess. The Burgess is the executive officer of the 
borough. He is elected for four years and can not succeed himself. 
It is 'his duty to sign or veto t'he borough ordinances, and see that 



GOVERNMENT 131 

those signed are enforced. He has the power to arrest offenders' 
against t'he ordinances; he may decide upon the guilt and punishment 
of offenders arrested by the police. It is his duty to attend the first 
meeting of a newly elected Council, and, if necessary, help in its 
organization, having even the right to vote if the votes are evenly 
divided. The Council may allow him an annual salary of not more 
than $100 per 1,000 inhabitants for the first 5,000 and -foil for each 
additional thousand. 

Other Borough Officers. The Assessor, the Auditors, the 
Justices of the Peace, the Constable, and the School Directors in a 
borough have duties similar to those holding the same offices in a 
township. 

THE CITY. 

A borough with a population of 10,000 or more may become 
a city, if a majority of the voters so decide. 

The city has a charter given to it by the State which names 
the powers it may exercise. The charter is granted by the State 
Legislature and may be amended or repealed by it at will. 

In Pennsylvania, cities are divided into three classes, according 
to population — First class cities have a population of 1,000,000 or 
more; second class cities, 100,000 to 1,000,000 and third class cities, 
10.000 to 100,000. Reading is a city of the third class. Under its 
charter the city arranges for police protection, for the punishment 
of crime, for the care of public health, for securing light, a water 
supply and for the disposal of sewage and waste as well as for trans- 
portation, hospitals, libraries and museums. 

The Mayor. The chief executive of the city is the Mayor. He 
is elected by the qualified voters and serves for a term of four years. 
It is his duty to enforce the ordinances of the city council and the 
laws of the State. If he cannot do this with the assistance of the 
police he may call upon the Sheriff of the county for help. He sub- 
mits messages to the council upon the condition of the city or rec- 
ommending measures for its consideration. He has the power to 
veto ordinances passed by the council. He appoints city officers 
bv and with the advice and consent of the council, and he may 
remove the same for good cause if the official be given a hearing 



132 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

and an opportunity to answer the charges made against him. He 
cannot succeed himself. His salary is fixed by the city council. 
City Council. The City Council is divided into two branches — 
select and common. Each ward is represented by one councilman 
in each branch. Select councilmen serve four years and common 
councilmen two years. The council has only such powers as arc- 
allowed it by the city charter. 

Its powers are exercised usually through acts called ordinances, 
which are framed and enacted after the manner followed by the 
legislature in enacting laws for the government of the State. 

One of the most important powers of a city council is the grant- 
ing of franchises to street railway, gas, electric light, water and 
other public service companies to construct, maintain tracks, wires, 
pipe lines, etc. 

City Controller. The city controller is elected for a term of 
four years. His salary is fixed by the Council. He audits the ac- 
counts and counter-signs all warrants drawn upon the Treasury. 

City Treasurer. The city treasurer receives and pays out all 
monies. He is elected for a term of four years. As receiver of taxes 
he is allowed a commission and in addition is paid a salary fixed by 
the Council. 

Aldermen. Each ward elects an alderman for a term of six 
years. His duties and jurisdiction are similar to those of a justice of 
the peace in a borough or a township. 

Other City offices. The city council elects a city solicitor, 
who is its legal advisor, a city engineer, and a city clerk. The chief 
of the Fire Department is appointed 'by the Mayor. 

School Controllers. The city schools are managed by a Board 
of nine school controllers, who are elected for a term of six years. 
This board elects a superintendent, a secretary and a treasurer, and 
fix the salaries of their officers. 

COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 

The oldest political divisions of the State are the counties. 
Some counties were organized while the State was yet a province. 
A new county may be organized only by act of the State Legisla- 
ture. The State Constitution provides that no new county may be 



GOVERNMENT 133 

established, nor an old one reduced in size so as to have an area of 
less than 400 square miles or a population of less than 20,000 in- 
habitants. 

Officers. The county officers are: Two Judges of the 
Court, and one Judge of the Orphans' Court, each of whom serve 
ten years; a Sheriff, a Coroner, Prothonotary, Register of "Wills, 
Recorder of Deeds, Controller, Treasurer, Clerk of Quarter Sessions, 
District Attorney, three Commissioners, three Directors of the 
Poor, nine Prison Inspectors, all of whom serve for four years; 
County Solicitor, Mercantile Appraiser, County Superintendent of 
Schools. 

All county officials, except the County Superintendent, Solici- 
tor and Mercantile Appraiser are elected at the November elec- 
tion in odd-numbered years. To be eligible to hold one of these 
offices, the holder must have been an inhabitant of the county for 
one year. The officers who have the care and keeping of import- 
ant public records are required by the State Constitution to have 
their offices at the county seat. The Sheriff and the Treasurer 
may not hold the office for two successive terms. 

County Commissioners. The County Commissioners have 
charge of the business interests of the count}-. They control the 
court house, county bridges, and the like. They fix the rate of 
the county tax, provide the ballots, and secure the voting places 
for all elections. They give instructions to the assessors and may 
change the valuation of property as fixed by the assessors. They 
appoint the county solicitor, the mercantile appraiser, clerks for 
their office, janitors for the court house and a bridge inspector. 
They also appoint annually a collector of county taxes in each 
city ward. 

The three are elected at one time, but\each voter may vote 
but for two candidates. This allows one of the candidates of the 
minority party to be elected. In case of a vacancy, the Court of 
Common Pleas may appoint the person who is to complete the term ; 
but the party so appointed must always be some one who voted for 
the commissioner whose place he is to take. Commissioners may 
be re-elected. The salary of each is $4,000 a vear. 



134 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Sheriff. It is the duty of the sheriff to keep the peace in the 
county, and to carry out such orders as he may receive from the 
court. He may make arrests, and is supposed to disperse such 
riots and disturbances as may occur. He may deputize as many 
persons as he may think necessary to assist him in this, and if he 
is unable to secure peace in this manner, he may call upon the 
Governor for aid. 

He has charge of accused parties during their trial, places them 
into confinement, or executes them by hanging, if the court so ord- 
ers. When a prisoner is sent to the state penitentiary, it is the 
Sheriff who takes him there. The Sheriff, also, serves all orders 
or writs issued by the Judge ; he sells at public auction all properties 
on which the taxes have not been paid ; and after a writ of execu- 
tion has been issued, he sells the property of debtors at "Sheriff 
Sale." 

He is custodian of the jury wheel. He serves a notice upon 
all who have been selected to appear at court at a specified time. 
He advertises national, state and county elections. He appoints 
deputies who may act for him in his absence. His salary is $6,000 
a year, but the office must earn this amount in fees, otherwise he 
receives what the office earns. 

In case of a vacancy in the office of Sheriff, the Governor ap- 
points one, who serves until the next regular election. 

Coroner. Whenever a. person dies suddenly or suspiciously, 
or in some unusual manner, it is the duty of the Coroner to investi- 
gate the cause of death; and if suspicious circumstances exist, he 
selects a jury of six men to assist him in holding an inquiry. Such 
an inquiry is called an inquest and the men making it are known as 
a coroner's jury. If the jury concludes that murder was commit- 
ted, it is the duty of the Coroner to so report to the District At- 
torney. In a report which the coroner must make to the Clerk of 
Quarter Sessions, he must state that the party came to death by 
whatever the jury decides was the cause and that certain suspicions 
of foul play do or do not exist. The coroner is allowed $5.50 for 
viewing a body and empaneling a jury, and $2:75 for summoning 
inquest and returning inquisition, and mileage of 10 cents a mile 



GOVERNMENT 135 

for each mile traveled. His bill is sent to the controller and, 
if approved by him and the commissioners, is paid. 

In case of a vacancy in the Sheriff's office, the coroner fills the 
vacancy until an appointment is made by the Governor. A Justice of 
the Peace may hold an inquest in the absence of the coroner. His 
salary is $2,000 a year, provided the fees of his office amount to that 
sum. 

The Prothonotary. This officer is Clerk of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, which tries the civil cases. He keeps the record of the 
civil suits, selects by lot, from the jurors present, a jury to try each 
case, and administers the oath to them, as well as to witnesses. He 
affixes the seal of the court to all documents requiring- it, and issues 
all writs and summons ordered by the court. The record of all bonds 
to mortgages, judgments and mechanic's liens, which he is required 
to keep, are open to public inspection. In his office, also, is kept a 
record of all persons naturalized, and of registered physicians. He 
copies and sends to the Secretary of the Commonwealth the returns 
of county, state and national elections. He is eligible for re-election. 
His salary is $6,000 a year, provided the fees of his office amount to 
that sum. 

County Treasurer. This officer is responsible for the keeping* 
of the money of the county. He receives all the taxes, fines, licenses, 
and such State taxes as are collected in the county. He pavs the 
State taxes to the State Treasurer, but with the county taxes he pays 
all bills approved by the County Commissioners and County Control- 
ler. 

Recorder of Deeds. According to the laws of Pennsyhania it 
is necessary that all deeds which are made out whenever a tract- of 
land changes ownership must be recorded in the office of the 
Recorder of Deeds. Mortgages, charters of corporations, and other 
documents are also recorded in this office as are the bonds of the 
county officials. 

The recording of mortgages, liens, and releases is a matter that 
can never be too promptly attended to, since such papers become 
valuable only after they are recorded. Priority of claim in 
mortgages is established by the time when each was recorded, and 
not, as is often supposed, by the time when each was given. In per- 



136 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

sonal property, priority depends upon the date when the Sheriff 
receives the writ of execution. This date he carefully marks upon the 
writ. 

The time of presenting- each document for recording is placed 
upon its back. In the case of mortgages, even the minute is care- 
fully noted. He receives $4,000 a year, provided the fees of the office 
are sufficient. 

Register of Wills. The wills of deceased persons are kept by 
the Register of Wills. Each will usually contains two witnesses 
and the Register calls upon them to swear that the signature was 
made by the party whose will is in question. If neither of these 
parties is to be found, he may establish the validity of the signature 
by such other witnesses or evidence as he may consider sufficient. 
Should one of the parties interested in the estate deem such wit- 
nesses or evidence insufficient, they procure a "caveat" to restrain 
the Register from probating the will, and then parties wishing it 
'probated, under the circumstances, may make an appeal. An appeal 
may also be made after the will is probated. 

The disposal of the property of deceased persons is an import- 
ant matter. When the Register receives a will, legally drawn up, 
properly witnessed and signed, he decides that it is valid in every 
respect, and this is called probating the will. The person named 
in the will to settle the estate according to the conditions named in 
it, is called the executor or executrix as the case may be. The 
Register gives this party authority to carry out the provisions of 
the will by giving him "Letters Testamentary." If no will has been 
left, or if the will lias been destroyed, or is illegal, the law provides 
that the Register shall appoint an administrator or an administra- 
trix to whom he gives "Letters of administration" to settle up the 
estate in question. 

The control of the estates of deceased persons rests with the 
Orphans' Court, of which the Register of Wills is the Clerk, and 
appeals from the decision of the Register in the probating of wills 
must be made in the same court. 

Not only does the Register keep the will, itself, but he also 
makes an exact copy of it in a book especially provided for this pur- 
pose. He keeps a record of the acts of executors and administra- 



GOVERNMENT 137 

tors in the discharge of their duties. They must file an inventory 
within thirty days, but they have a year to close up the entire ac- 
count, which is not done until the releases of all parties interested 
are filed. His salary is $1,000 a year, which must be earned in 
fees. 

The Register of Wills also issues marriage licenses. A blank 
form is filled out in which is stated the age, occupation, and relation- 
ship of the parties. In case either or both of the parties are less 
than twenty-one years of age, they must receive the consent of their 
respective parents or guardian. This consent must be acknow- 
ledged by an officer legally qualified to administer oaths. 

When the foregoing conditions are complied with, the Clerk 
gives to the parties a license whereby a minister of the gospel, Jus- 
tice of the Peace, or other officer justified by law, may unite them 
in matrimony. After the marriage, the party performing the cere- 
mony fills out a blank form called a "Marriage Certificate," which 
he gives to the parties married, and sends a copy of the same to the 
Register, to be kept on file in his office. 

Clerk of Quarter Sessions. The Clerk of the Courts is the clerk 
of the Quarter Sessions and of Oyer and Terminer. He calls up 
and swears the witnesses and jurors of these courts, and keeps the 
records of the proceedings of each of them. The laying out of new 
roads is controlled by the Court of Quarter Sessions, so also is the 
granting of liquor licenses. The issuing of all orders or papers re- 
lating to these is done through his office. The reports of the town- 
ship and borough elections are kept in his office. He issues certifi- 
cates of election to the successful candidates in all township and 
borough elections in all cases except that of the justice of the peace, 
who is commissioned by the Governor. The salary fixed by law is 
$4,000 a year, to be earned in fees. 

District Attorney. It is the duty of the District Attorney to 
prosecute in court parties charged with committing crimes in the 
county, and to bring before the Grand Jury indictments against any 
and all persons against whom a criminal charge is entered. To be 
eligible requires a two years' experience in the practice of law, and 
re-election is always allowable. He may appoint assistants. In 
Berks he has two. His salary is $4,000 a year. 



138 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Jury Commissioners. The Jury Commissioners are two in 
number. It is their duty, in connection with the judge, to fill the jury 
wheel and to draw the jurymen to serve at each term of court. In 
his selection the Sheriff, who is custodian of the jury wheel, is present 
to see that no one interferes with the names in the wheel, and the 
Judge is also present to supervise the work. They each receive f 500 
a year. 

The Jury Commissioners are elected for four years and no voter 
can vote for more than one, thus giving the minority party an op- 
portunity to elect one. In filling the jury wheel, the purpose is to 
apportion them among the election districts of the county. 

Prison Inspectors. The prison inspectors manage the jail. They 
receive $250 a year for expenses. There are nine of them. 

Directors of the Poor. The paupers of the whole county are 
kept in the Almshouse, located at Shillington. The county elects 
three Directors of the Poor. They manage the Almshouse and 
determine who should be admitted. Children between two and six- 
teen years of age are supported outside of the Almshouse. These 
officials each receive a salary of f 1,000 a year. 

County Controller. The County Controller is the general fiscal 
agent of the county. He scrutinizes all bills and counter-signs war- 
rants, and audits the accounts of all other county officials. His 
salary is $4,000 a year. 

County Surveyor. The County Surveyor had important duties 
when there was public land to be measured and sold. Since this is 
all gone, he has but little official business. He receives a salary of 
$300 a year and has no regular duties. 

Mercantile Appraiser. This officer appraises the value of the 
business done by the various merchants of the county, who pay a 
state tax according to this valuation. He receives 50 cents for each 
place of business visited and six cents for each mile traveled. He is 
appointed annually by the County Commissioners. 

County Solicitor. The County Solicitor is appointed by the 
county commissioners. He is their legal advisor. 

The County's Relation to the Courts. All the courts of the 
county are state courts. Since they are the courts in which cases are 
first tried, they are sometimes called county courts. There are fifty- 



GOVERNMENT 139 

six such courts in Pennsylvania. They were created by an act of the 
State Legislature. For court purposes, the sltate has been divided into 
fifty-six districts. The divisions are made entirely along county lines, 
and since there are sixty-seven counties in the State, it can at once be 
seen that not all the districts can consist of a single county. Berks 
County is a district by itself, and is known as the twenty-third Judicial 
District. 

Kind of Courts. There are four courts in the county — the Court 
of Common Pleas, which hears civil cases ; the Court of Quarter Ses- 
sions, which tries cases of misdemeanor, desertion, surety of the 
peace, and the like, and grants liquor licenses ; the Court of Oyer 
and Terminer, in which are conducted murder trials, forgery, arson 
and the like, and the Orphans' Court, in which are heard cases relat- 
ing to the estates of the deceased. 

License Court is held once each year. Here requests for new 
licenses or for transfer of old ones may be heard. Transfers may 
also be made in Quarter Sessions or in Chambers (before the Judges). 
The matter of granting or refusing applications for licenses to sell 
spiiituous liquors is its duty. 

Argument Court is held by the Judges without a jury. It may 
convene at any time. 

Above the courts just mentioned are two higher courts to which 
a case may be appealed from the lower courts. One of these is the 
Superior Court in which are heard the less important cases which 
have been appealed from the so-called County Courts ; and the 
Supreme Court to which are appealed only the most important cases 
arising in the lower courts. 

Above the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the Supreme 
Court of the United States. Appeals cannot be made from the State 
Supreme Courts to the United States Supreme Courts unless in 
cases involving more than state laws ; only cases involving a ques- 
tion arising under the Constitution of the United States or the laws 
thereof can be so appealed. The decisions of the Supreme and 
Superior Courts are carefully prepared and put into book form bv 
the state. The Judges in the lower courts are supposed to use the 
State Reports as the basis of their decisions. 



140 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The Judges. Berks County has its own Court House and jail. 
There are three judges, each elected for a term of ten years at a 
salary of $7,1)00 a year. 

Juries. Juries are of three kinds — Petit, Traverse, and Grand. 
The law requires that the selection of jurymen must be made from 
the various registry lists of the county. 

The Grand Jury consists of twenty-four men whose names were 
first drawn from the jury wheel for that term of court. If the 
twenty-four of them attend, one of them is excused; a grand jury 
may not have more than twenty-three, or less than twelve members. 
The principal duties of the Grand Jury are to pass upon the indict- 
ments presented to them by the District Attorney. They always 
hold their sessions in private and hear only the evidence of the ac- 
cusing parties. If the majority think the evidence is sufficient to in- 
dicate crime, they find a "true bill." If the evidence seems weak 
or trifling to the majority they "ignore the bill." The consent of 
the Grand Jury must also be given before the County Commission- 
ers can purchase land or erect public buildings. It must approve 
of the location of county bridges, and quarterly visit public build- 
ings and make recommendations concerning their care or repair. 

A Petit Jury consists of twelve men. They are chosen by lot 
from the number drawn from the jury wheel at the beginning of 
the session of court. Each case has a separate and different jury. 
This jury sits while cases are tried in which the Grand Jury find a 
"true bill." 

In law, to defy formally what the opposite party has alleged, 
is to traverse their statements. When a plaintiff makes a state- 
ment, he avers it to be true, and traverses what the defendant has 
affirmed. A jury that tries cases in which this often happens is 
called a Traverse Jury. It consists of twelve men and tries only 
civil cases. 

Accusation and trial in the criminal courts. The first step to 
institute a criminal proceeding is to bring information against any 
one before a Justice of the Peace. This officer issues a warrant for 
the arrest of the accused. The Constable usually serves the warrant 
and brings the accused before the Justice of the Peace. 



GOVERNMENT 141 

He may waive a hearing for trial at court, and in default of such 
bail as the Justice of the Peace may deem satisfactory, he is com- 
mitted to jail; or, he may demand a trial before the Justice of the 
Peace at once. If in this trial, the Justice of the Peace thinks the 
case serious and the offense grave, he may determine that this is a 
case for court, and in default of bail, send the accused to jail. 

The Justice of the Peace sends the record of his proceedings 
in the case to the District Attorney, who informs himself of the 
facts in the case, and presents an indictment to the Grand Jury. 
Upon the back of this indictment are placed the names of the wit- 
nesses who are expected to establish the validity of the accusation. 
The Grand Jury meets in private session and hears the evidence of 
the witnesses who were named by the District Attorney, but the ac- 
cused himself is not heard. If, after the witnesses are heard, a ma- 
jority of the Grand Jury agree in thinking that the accused should 
be tried, the words "True Bill" are written across the back of the 
indictment, and then the party must be tried in court before a Petit 
Jury. If the Grand Jury finds "No True Bill," the accused is given 
his freedom. 

When the case is called for trial, a Petit Jury of twelve men is 
chosen from those whose names were taken from the jury wheel 
at the opening of the session of the court. The party on trial may 
secure a lawyer or a number of lawyers to assist him in his defense, 
and in case he is unable to do so, the court usually appoints one. 
The District Attorney is the prosecuting lawyer having the privilege 
of asking questions relating to the testimony given. When all the 
witnesses are heard, the attorney on each side makes his argument 
before the jury, after which the judge gives to the jury his charge 
in which he tells them what is their duty in the case, and what is 
the law on the question involved. Having heard the facts of the 
case as they are brought out during the trial and the charge of the 
judge, the jury now returns to the jury room where they remain 
without communicating with any one until they arrive at a "ver- 
dict." This verdict must be unanimous. The foreman presents the 
verdict of the jury upon the completion of its deliberations. 

If the verdict is "not guilty" the person on trial is at once set 
free; if found guilty by the jury, the accused person is either imme- 



142 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

diately, or soon thereafter, sentenced by the judge. As a punish- 
ment, he is either imprisoned for a time, or fined, or both; in case 
of murder, he is executed. 

He has, however, the privilege of trying to secure a new trial 
or of appealing his case to the Supreme Court. If acquitted, he 
can not again be tried for the same offense; but, if the jury fails to 
agree, a new trial may be held at a later term of court. The judge 
usually refuses to discharge the jury until it has agreed. 

During the trial, the Court Crier sits near the judge and an- 
nounces the convening and adjourning of the court. To preserve 
order the tipstaves are at his command. He is custodian of the 
Law Library. 

Manner of conducting civil cases. The Court of Common 
Pleas tries law suits arising over property and other disputes. 
Such trials are usually called civil suits. There is no Grand Jury 
or District Attorney to bring an indictment. Cases are carried on 
much as they are in the sessions of the Court of Quarter Sessions. 
The jury must be unanimous to find a verdict. 

A Traverse fury which tries civil cases is empanneled by call- 
ing twenty men to the jury box and letting each side in turn reject 
one until eight have been removed. The person who brings the 
suit is called the plaintiff; he makes the complaint; the person 
against whom the suit is brought is the defendant. If the verdict 
is against the defendant, a judgment is entered upon the court 
records against him ; if this is not paid, the Sheriff may enforce pay- 
meats by selling the property of the delinquent. The party losing 
the suit is usually required to pay the costs. 



CHAPTER X. 



GEOGRAPHY. 

Berks County is located between the Delaware and the Sus- 
quehanna Rivers, just south of the Blue Ridge. It is in the lower 

central portion of the north tem- 
perate zone, being between 40 and 41 
degrees north latitude and one- 
half and one and one-half degrees 
east longitude from Washington. It 
is bounded on the northwest by 
Schuylkill 36 miles, on the north- 
east by Lehigh, 24 miles, on the 
southeast by Montgomery and Ches- 
ter, 28 miles and on the southwest 
by Lancaster and Lebanon, :\9 miles. 
It contains an area of 900 square 
miles or about 570,000 acres. Much 
of this area was taken from Phila- 
delphia Count)- on the east side of the 
Schuylkill, and from Lancaster and 
Chester on the west side of the river 
at the time the county was organized. 
It is estimated that the population of the county at the time of 
its erection in 1752 was about twelve thousand. 

Mountains. The mountains of the county are ridges of the 
Allegheny Mountains which extend along the eastern border of the 
United States. The northern ridge is the largest, and forms also the 
northern boundary line of the county. In the early days, few surveyors 
or settlers went beyond this ridge. 

In some of the early maps this chain was called Kittatinny, 
which is the Indian word for endless. In looking at the mountain 
from a distance it has a hazy bluish appearance, hence it was called 




COUNTY LINE STONE BETWEEN 
BERKS AND LEBANON. 



144 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




It A 



GEOGRAPHY 145 

Blue Mountain. The top of the ridge is by no means even, but it 
averages about 1,200 feet above the level of the sea. 

The Pinnacle is a projection in Albany Township, extending' to 
the southeast for about two miles. It is the highest point in the 
county, and lifts its lofty summit about 1,400 feet above sea level. 
Round Top is an isolated peak in the same township. Round Head, 
in Bethel Township, is about 1,1)00 feet high. 

Schuylkill Gap is the point at which the Schuylkill River breaks 
through the Blue Ridge at Port Clinton. 

The second of the ridges is called South Mountain because it 
is about twenty miles south of the Blue Ridge. 

The mountain is perhaps more widely known than any of the 
many elevations in the county, for upon its top, and along its slopes, 
in Lower Heidelberg and Spring Townships, are located a number 
of the most noted health resorts in the country. An attractive point 
is Cushion Peak, which can be seen for many miles. Upon its crest- 
stands a United States observatory, the only one in the count}'. South 
Mountain contains on its western end in Berks County a number of 
rock-covered projections, one of which is called Eagle Head, because 
during colonial times many eagles roosted upon these rocky heights, 
South Mountain includes the Welsh Mountains, the Forest Hill, and 
the Flying Hills. The Flying Hills, however, extend along the south- 
ern side of the Schuylkill for several miles. They were so called by 
the early settlers because many birds could always be seen flying 
there. 

The county also contains numerous smaller hills. "Stoudt Hill," 
named after its owner, is about six miles north of Reading, along 
the western side of the Schuylkill. "Scull Hill" is on the same side 
of the river and about five miles farther north. The "Oley Hills" 
are in that township and the "Earl Mountains" in Earl Township. 
"Monocacy Hill" is in Amity Township. East of Reading is Mt. 
Penn. It was conspicuous for the two spots which formerly could 
be seen for many miles, from the west. They are bare and are 
covered by rocks. "White Spot" was so called on account of the 
white stones at that point, and "Black Spot" was so named because 
its rocks had a darker color. The "Black Spot" is the higher and 
is about eleven hundred feet above sea level. 



146 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Neversink Mountain is south of the city. It is not quite as high 
as Mt. Penn, but overlooks the valley for miles to the southward. 
The graceful curves, where the river bends like an S, are distinctly 
seen. The point which extends to the north is known as "Lewis' 
Neck" and that to the south is "Poplar Neck." It is these two necks 
that are especially noted for the Indian relics that have been found 
there. The Scenic Railroads which have been built over these two 
mountains carry thousands of sight-seeing people each summer. 

Rivers and. valleys. The Schuylkill River flows through the 
county in a southeasterly direction and the land it drains is known 
as the Schuylkill Valley. The Maiden Creek, Antietam, Monocacy 
and Manatawny are the principal streams that flow into the Scliuyl* 
kill from the east. The principal tributaries of the Schuylkill from 
the west are the Tulpchocken, Wyomissing, Allegheny and Hay 
Creeks. As a rule these streams rise near the county lines and flow 
towards the Schuylkill. On the east some of the water of 
the county is drained into the Perkiomen Creek and the 
Lehigh River. Bethel Township is drained by the Little Swatara 
Creek, and its waters finally reach the Susquehanna. The Little 
Conestoga and Muddy Creek drain Caernarvon Township into the 
Susquehanna. The Lebanon Valley extends from the Schuylkill to 
the Susquehanna. Its eastern section is drained into the Schuylkill 
by the Tulpehocken Creek and the western end is drained into the 
Susquehanna by the Swatara. The entire valley is about fifty-four 
miles long and takes its name from the leading city, which is situated 
on the waters'head. The East Penn Valley is a continuation of the 
Lebanon Valley eastward. 

Minerals. About seventy different minerals are found in the 
county. Gold and silver, in very small quantities, have been 
found, especially in Alsace and Oley Townships. Copper is 
more abundant and most plentiful in Caernarvon Township. The 
best copper clav yields C>7 c /r. The clay runs in veins a few feet thick. 

The county is rich in iron. It was first mined in Colebrook- 
dale and Caernarvon Townships. There were more than one hun- 
dred mines in operation in 1SS2. which yielded more than one 
hundred thousand tons. This gave employment to over two thous- 
and men, and brought into the county that year more than a mil- 



GEOGRAPHY 147 

lion dollars. According to Heisier's map there were twenty-five 
iron ore mines in the county in 1854. Much of the ore today is 
mined for the ocher. 

The northern section of the county is rich in slate and some 
quarrying is being done. In the central portion we have the lime- 
stone, and in the southern part the sandstone. In this section there 
are large quarries, from which are taken exceptionally hard stones, 
known as Trap Rock. These are extensively used in roadmaking. 

Caves. The limestone rocks, especially in Richmond Town- 
ship, have been washed out by underground waters to form numer- 
ous caves of various sizes, whose floors are studded with glitter- 
ing stalactites and whose ceilings are decorated with bright shin- 
ing stalagmites. At Virginsville, in Richmond Township, two 
streams, the Sacony, rising some eight miles to the east, near Bow- 
ers Station, and the Ontelaunee or Maidencreek, having its source 
twenty miles to the north, in Lehigh County, mingle their waters. 
On all sides are hills, many of them cone-shaped and varying in 
altitude from two to three hundred feet above the streams. The 
underlying rocks, mostly of limestone, lying near the surface, are 
seamed and broken and at various places in the bluffs along these 
streams openings of various dimensions are found. 

Crystal Cave. Crystal Cave is one of a number of underground 
cavities in Richmond Township. It was discovered by accident in 
the autumn of 1S71 by two men, quarrying stone on the hillside. 
After the smoke from the blast had cleared away they found that 
they had unwittingly opened up a cave of considerable dimensions. 
They penetrated deeply into the interior and returned with marvel- 
ous tales of underground corridors and halls richly adorned with 
gleaming crystals. 

In 1872 Samuel D. L. Kohler purchased from Gideon Merkel. 
47 acres of land, including the hill containing the cave. This noted 
curiosity, which some regard as ranking with Niagara Falls, has 
been visited by more than 15,000 people. In the brief interval be- 
tween the discovery and the acquisition of the property by Mr. 
Kohler, the cave was robbed of many crystalline treasures. The 
new proprietor proceeded to check this inexcusable robbery by plac- 
ing a door at the entrance. A graded path with steps, in its deepest 



148 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




ENTRANCE TO CRYSTAL CAVE. 

slopes, made approach easier, while stairways, handrails, and other 
conveniences for more comfortable exploration were placed within. 
There are deep crevices and one of the chasms is asserted to be over 
one hundred feet deep. The cave has been explored for a distance 
of about a thousand feet. In some places it is quite spacious, while 
in others the visitor is barely able to get through a small opening 
which leads from one chamber to another. 

Dragon Cave. Dragon Cave is situated about a mile north- 
east from Virginsville in the same township, and is said to communi- 
cate with Crystal Cave. This cave has been known for more than 
a century and a half and has attracted visitors from far and near. 
It is said that fishermen coming from Olev to try their luck in the 
waters of the Maidencreek, discovered the cave. At the time of 
discovery they made no exploration. Later, however, they started 
on an expedition, the purpose of which was to examine the interior. 
They entered, but failed to return at the time specified. A rescue 
party, sent after them, found the explorers lost in the cave. Their 



GEOGKAPHY 149 

lights had gone out and they were in sad distress. The rescuers 
had avoided a like peril by taking the precaution to carry with them 
a long rope, one end of which was fastened at the opening so that, 
in case their lights should be extinguished, return might be assured. 

The mouth of the cave is in a field which has long been in culti- 
vation. The opening is five feet wide, and nearly twice as long, 
nearly horizontal, while the entrance proper is perpendicular for a 
distance of ten feet. As, in the past, animals have fallen into the 
cave, the mouth is now protected by a wire fence. At present three 
trees stand near the mouth of the cave. The largest is a maple, 
nine feet in circumference at the base of the trunk. This indicates 
great age. 

From the perpendicular entrance a sloping passage leads, about 
one hundred and fifty feet, to a small opening. To pass this, one 
must crawl a short distance. Beyond the way is easier. For some 
three hundred feet there runs a passage in which there is sufficient 
room to walk erect. The way is a winding one and communicates 
with chambers of various dimensions. To one of these apartments, 
the largest, from twenty-five to thirl}- feet wide, of approximated 
the same height, and about three times that in length, has been given 
the name "The Temple of the Dragon." At one end of the Temple 
there is a flight of stone steps, formed by nature, leading to a gal- 
lery above, from which point of vantage a person can look down 
into all parts of the temple. 

Other caves. Two miles from Dragon Cave, near Merkel's mill 
at Moselem, also in Richmond Township, is Merkel Cave. It has a 
perpendicular opening, possibly forty feet deep. Little can be said 
about it, as no one, thus far, has ventured to explore it. 

Dreibelbies cave is located in Perry Township near the Onte- 
launee. It was discovered in 1873, while quarrying limestone. The 
entrance is small, and a person must crawl for twentv-five feet, after 
which the passage becomes larger. The cave has been explored for 
a considerable distance, but the end has not vet been reached. The 
walls are lined with beautiful crystalline deposits of lime which °-listen 
in the rays of the light. 



150 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Joel Dreibelbies. upon whose land the cave was found, relates 
the following strange and somewhat amusing circumstance: One 
cold winter morning, some ten years after the discovery, he and a 
neighbor, passing by the cave, noticed the branches of a young 
cherry tree, which had grown up at the mouth, to be violently agi- 
tated. Mr. Dreibelbeis' companion was seized by a strange dread 
and would not approach to learn the cause of the unusual phenome- 
non. Disregarding the other's entreaties, Mr. Dreibelbies under- 
took an investigation and found a strong current of air rushing, 
with considerable violence, out of the cave's mouth. The current 
was so strong, in fact, that it was with difficulty that he could keep 
his hat in place. This incident is a proof that several of these caves 
communicate with one another. 

Mengle cave is about three-fourth of a mile north from Dreibel- 
beis cave. It is also in Perry Township. It was discovered while 
workmen were blasting in a limestone quarry. It has a large en- 
trance, but no one has ventured into it further than about one hun- 
dred and fifty feet and it has never been satisfactorily explored. At 
times the rocks at the mouth of the cave 'are heavily coated with 
frost, due to the congealing of the vapor with which the air from 
the cave is charged. 

Divisions of the county. The county is divided into forty-three 
townships, nineteen boroughs and one city. 

The names of the townships can be grouped into nine classes as 
to the origin of their names. 

1. Eight of the townships are named after persons or bear the 
names of persons prominently connected with American history, as 
follows : Douglass. Jefferson, Marion. Muhlenberg. Penn, Perry, 
Tilden, Washington. 

2. Nine have English names : Colebrookdalc, Albany, Earl. 
Exeter, Greenwich. Hereford. Richmond. Ruscombmanor and 
Windsor. 

3. Six have Indian names : Maidencreek. Maxatawny. Oley, 
Ontelaunee, Tulpehocken and Upper Tulpehocken. 

4. The fourth group comprises those names in consequence of 
some peculiarity of the township, either as to its products, appear- 



GEOGRAPHY 151 

ance, or geographical location. There are six of this class : Centre, 
District, Longswamp, Pike, Rockland and Spring. 

5. Five have German names : Alsace. Lower Alsace, Heidel- 
berg, North Heidelberg, Lower Heidelberg. 

6. Three have Welsh names : Brecknock, Caernarvon, Ctimru. 

7. Three have Bible names, or names suggesting some virtue: 
Amity, Bethel, Union. 

S.. Two have Swiss names : Bern, Upper Bern. 

9. One is named after a pioneer settler — Robeson. 

Charitable institutions. The matter of caring for the poor, the 
sick, and those otherwise unfortunate has been carefully looked after 
in Berks. A list of charitable institutions follows: 

County Home, in Cumru Township, maintained with funds ap- 
propriated 'by the County. 

Bethany Orphans' Home, Womelsdorf, supported by the Re- 
formed Church. 

Lutheran Orphans' Home in Berks County, at Topton, sup- 
ported by the Lutheran denomination. 

South Mountain Asylum for Chronic Insane, near Wernersville, 
maintained by the State. 

The Reading, Homoeopathic and St. Joseph's Hospitals, Read- 
ing, maintained by public subscription, aided by the state. 

Home for Friendless Children. Reading, maintained by public 
subscription, aided by the State. 

St. Catharine's and St. Paul's Orphan Asylums, Reading, main- 
tained 'by churches and by subscription. 

Home for Widows and Single Women, Reading, maintained In- 
payments made by inmates upon entering and by popular subscrip- 
tion. 

House of Good Shepherd, Glenside, Bern Township, maintained 
by church and charity. 

Hope Rescue Mission, Reading, maintained by popular subscrip- 
tion. 

Beulah Anchorage, Reading, maintained by popular subscription. 

Berks County Tuberculosis Sanitarium, on Xeversink Mountain, 
maintained by popular subscription. 



152 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Weather Bureau. The Weather Bureau was established by 
an Act of Congress in 1870. It was first a part of the Signal Corps 
in the army and navy, but in 181)1 it was transferred to the Agri- 
cultural Department. One of the six stations in Pennsylvania is 
located at Reading, where it was established in the fall of 1912. 
The observations from these stations are telegraphed to Washington 
several times a day. The reports are then wired to every portion of 
the county and pasted up in public places. These reports are a great 
benefit to the farmer, to the shipper and to the public in general. 

SOME LEADING FACTS. 

Population — 183,222. 

13th Congressional District (with Lehigh). 
11th Senatorial District. 

Divided into two Legislative districts (1st, Reading; 2d, Rural 
Berks). 

23d Judicial District. 

148 Voting Precincts (city, 51; county, 07). 

POST OFFICES IN BERKS COUNTY (1912)— 99 

1. Presidential Post ( )ffices — 8. 

1. Reading Salary. $3,600 — 2 routes 

2. Hamburg Salary, $1,800 — 4 routes 

3. Kutztown Salary, $1,800 — 5 routes 

4. Birdsboro Salary, $1,700 — 2 routes 

5. Boyertown Salary, $1,700 — 2 routes 

6. . Wernersville Salary, $1,400—2 routes 

7. Fleetwood Salary, $1,300—2 routes 

8. Womelsdorf Salary. $1,200— 

9. Wyomissing Salary, $1,200— 

2. Rural Free Delivery Post Offices — 29. 

(Seven of the Presidential Post Offices have Rural Free 
Delivery. The other 22 follow.) 



Barto 2 routes 

Bechtelsville 2 routes 

Bernville 2 routes 

Bethel 1 route 

Blandon 1 route 



Douglassville 4 routes 

Geiger's Mills 2 routes 

Kempton 2 routes 

Leesport 1 route 

Lenhartsville ....... .1 route 



GEOGRAPHY 



153 





2 


routes 


Sinking 






2 


routes 


Stony C 


reek Mills. . . .1 route 


Mohrsville 


1 


route 


Stouchsburg 1 route 


Oley 


4 


routes 


Temple 


1 route 




2 


routes 


Virginvi 


lie 1 route 


Shoemakersville . . 


2 


routes 


West Leesport 1 route 


3. Post Offices hav 


ing 


no Rural Free Deli\ 


ery— 68. 


Albany 




Jacksonwald 


Mount Penn 


Athol 




Joanna 


New Berlinville 


Bally 




Klinesville 


Pine Forge 


Berks 




Krick*s Mil] 


Rehrersburg 


Berne 




Krumsville 


Rye land 


Bernharts 




Landis Store 


Scarlet's Mill 


Bowers 




Limekiln 


Schofer 


Calcium 




Little Oley 


Shamrock Station 


Centreport 




Lorane 


Shanesville 


Chapel 




Lyon Station 


Shartlesville 


Clayton 




Maidencreek 


Shillington 


Dauberville 




Manatawny 


Spangsville 


Dryville 




Maxatawny 


Stonersville 


Earlville 




Meckville 


Stony Run 


Esterly 




Molltown 


Strausstown 


Fritztown 




Monocacy 


Topton 


Gibraltar 




Monocac}- Station 


Trexler 


( iriesemersville 




Montello 


Tuipehocken 


< Irimville 




Monterey 


Vinemont 


Hancock 




Morgantown 


Walter's Park 


Hereford 




Mount Aetna 


West Reading 


Host 




Mountain 


Yellow House 


Hummer? Store 




Mounta 


in Sunset 





CHAPTER XL 



THE TOWNSHIPS. 

ALBANY. 

Early History. Albany is the most northern township in the 
county. It was erected previous to 1750. Its name signifies "all- 
wants,'' a term given to it by the Indians because they considered 
it poor soil. Soon after its erection it was divided into two dis- 
tricts by a straight line running east and west. The northern part 
retained the name Albany and the southern part was named Green- 
wich. Both townships were named after districts in England. The 
first settlers were Germans, who came north along the Maiden- 
creek and made their homes here about 1700. They moved into 
that section of Albany called "The Corner," now Eckville. Here 
Cornelius Frees erected a log building. This was the first building 
in the township and occupied a dangerous position during the Indian 
invasions, when it was used as a fort. 

It is said that a man named Schoner was shot at the door 
and a short distance away a man and his wife were killed by the 
Indians. There are still some old buildings in the township that 
show bullet marks as relics of the fight with the Indians. At 
Trexler station is an old log house. It was long an inn where 
thirsty harvesters drove their sickles into the logs when they went 
into the bar-room for a drink. 

In this township is the Pinnacle, a spur extending out from the 
Blue Mountains, and rising to a height of 1G70 feet. This is the 
highest point in the county. 

Industries. The streams of Albany furnished good water- 
power, and soon industries sprang up along their courses. A small 

charcoal furnace and two forges were 

built before 1780, which became 

known as the Union Iron Works. 

Saw mills and grist mills were also 

erected. They turned the logs into 

lumber and the grain into flour and 

feed. Other small industries sprang 

up, such as clover mills, which 

the old water saw mill. separated the seed from the clover; 

grinding mills, used to grind sickles: turning mills, for turning gun 

barrels; carding-machines, which separated the seed from the flax; 




THE TOWNSHIPS 



156 




GRIST MILL. 



and oil mills, used to manufacture oil 
from the flax seed. Since 1870 some 
slate was quarried in this township 
which ranks with the best quality of 
the other slate regions, and lies in 
strata, fifteen to eighty feet below the 
I surface. 

In 1870 the Berks and Lehigh 
Railroad was built through this 
township. It was a great benefit, as 
it gave better facilities for marketing the different farm products. 

Although somewhat remote from the county seat, this township 
is one of the most prosperous in the county. Its chief wealth lies in 
its farm products. It stands first in the production of potatoes. 

Towns. Kempton is the principal railroad station. More 
potatoes are shipped from this point than any other station along 
the entire line from Slatington to Reading. It has quite a few 
business places, and two rural mail routes. 

Stony-Run (Wessnersville) lies about two miles east from Kemp- 
ton. It is about the same size as Kempton. 

Trexler is a village one mile from Kempton. It has a post 

office, which was formerly at Fetherolfsville, about half a mile away 

Albany Station was established by the Railroad Company in 

1874, but did not become a business place until 1882. Albany is 

half a mile west of the station. 

Greenawald is a flag station in the southern section of the town- 
ship, near which is an old-time inn. 

Mountain is a small place in the northern part of the township. 

ALSACE. 

Alsace Township lies east of Reading. It was organized in 1745, 
and originally contained 2;»,L'70 acres. Its area was reduced : First, 
by the erection of Reading; second, by the erection of Muhlenberg 
Township ; third, by cutting off Poplar Neck and lands adjoining and 
adding them to Cumru : fourth, by the erection of Lower Alsace. 

The township was named after Alsace in Germany, the first 
settlers having emigrated from that place. Andrew Robeson took 



156 



THE SIORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



out the first warrant for land in 1714. This is the first notice of land 
taken in this section. This survey was abandoned. In 1718 Robeson 
purchased 1,000 acres and made provision for a settlement. Another 
warrant for 375 acres was taken out by Edward Farmer in 17:'».j. 

Industries. On account of the condition of the soil,, agriculture 
was and still is the chief occupation in the township. Its streams 
furnished abundant water-power, causing factories to spring up 
everywhere, those on Antietam Creek taking 'the lead. Principal 
among them were grist mills, saw mills, forges. Max brakes, oil mills, 
clover mills, paper mills and a woolen mill. Truck farming and fruit 
growing are leading industries. Saw mills and sand quarries are 
being conducted. 




CHAPEL ROCKS. 



A natural curiosity. One of the great natural curiosities of the 
county is to be seen in this township. It consists of a large mass of 
rocks piled one hundred feet high. The topmost rock is balanced 
and rivals, in many respects, the scenes in the Garden of the Gods. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 157 

The whole mass is called Chapel Rocks. Hundreds of people each 
year visit these rocks and feel well repaid for their journey. 

There are no villages in the township, In the vicinity of Fies' 
Hotel, however, there is quite a settlement where much of the town- 
ship business is transacted. The township is without a post office. 
The mail is served by rural free delivery. 

LOWER ALSACE. 

This township was separated from Alsace in 1888. It was called 
Lower Alsace because of its location. It is the smallest township 
in the county, and contains more wood.ed land than cleared farm 
area. Its early history is the same as that of Alsace, from which it 
was taken. 

On Mount Penn, in 1890, was built a gravity railroad, eight 
miles long, that is each year becoming more popular. The Never- 
sink was built at the same time, and is of the same length. It is 
also very much used. 

Carsonia Park was begun in 1896, and is owned by the United 
Traction Company. It is quite a resort, has man)- places of amuse- 
ment, and is each year frequented by many visitors. Part of it lies 
in Exeter Township. 

The Stony Creek mills were established in 1864 for the manu- 
facture of woolen cloth. They have been operated successfully ever 
since. 

The township has extensive truck farms and vineyards. 

The Egelman and Antietam Reservoirs, King in this township, 
are parts of the Reading water supply system. 

Villages. The principal village is Stony Creek Mills, so 
named from the mills which form the chief industry. The bor- 
ough of Mt. Penn lies in this township and divides Lower Alsace into 
two parts. 

From Mt. Penn to Stony Creek Mills, along the Friedensburg 
road, there are many dwellings, some of these are nestled along 
the wooded hillside, affording romantic scenery. 

East of Carsonia Park is Melrose, a new suburban town, and 
west of Carsonia is Pennside. a flourishing suburb 



158 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

AMITY. 

Early History. This township was settled by the Swedes in 
1701 and was erected into a township in 171!). It was the first town- 
snip organized in Berks County. It was called Amity because of 
the friendly relations that existed between the Swedes and the In- 
dians. Penn issued a warrant to Edward Pennington to lay out ten 
thousand acres of land for the Swedes on the eastern bank of the 
Schuylkill in the locality of what is now Douglassville. Penn was 
rather anxious to get the land in the vicinity of Philadelphia for his 
Quaker friends, and for this reason he wanted to provide a place 
for the Swedes farther up the river. A small two-story stone building, 
the oldest house in the county, is still standing at the bridge near 
Douglassville on the east side of the river. A soft stone tablet, built 
into the front wall, indicates that the building was erected by Mounce 
Jones in 1716. The house has been somewhat altered. In those 
days the river at that point was crossed by a ford and at one time 
the building was used as a hotel. 

Swede's Church, a log building, was built before 1720. Con- 
ferences between the settlers and the Indians were frequently held 
in it. It was the first house for religious worship in the county and 
was destroyed 'by fire in 1831. 

A gravestone in the cemetery 'bearing the date 1719 is said to 
be the oldest tombstone in the county. 

The streams were earlv used to supply water-power. On the 
Monocacy the old Griesemer mill has 
been operated for many years. A little 
farther down is the old fulling mill. Xear 
the turn-pike a saw mill lias existed for 
many vears. The Boones had a clover and 
grist mill on the Manatawny which is no 
longer in existence. The present three- 
story brick mill was built about 1850. 

CARRYING CORN TO THE , r " TT ... . . , . , , . ,«• 

mill. Monocacy Hill is an isolated peak in this 

district. 

Villages. Weavertown is the oldest place in the township. It 
has grown but little in sixty years. A post office was established in 




THE TOWNSHIPS 



159 



1828 and named Brumfieldville in honor of Jessie Brumfield, the 
first postmaster. Since the advent of rural free delivery it has been 
abandoned. 

Athol (Amityville) is on the turnpike leading to the Yellow 
House. The village was at one time called Xew Storeville. 

Yellow House derived its name from the hotel at that point which 
is painted yellow. The post office was established in 1866. The 
creamery has been operated for many years. 

Douglassville is a station on the Reading and Pennsylvania 
Railroads. When some of the early Swedes left the locality much 
of the land was bought by Jacob Warren, who built some of the 
early houses. He failed in business and much of his property was 
bought by George Douglass after whom the place was named. 

Monocacy Station is a village on the railroad. 

BERN. 

Bern was settled in 1733 and erected into a township in 1738. 
It was named after Bern in Switzerland, whence many of its settlers 
came. At the time of the erection of the county the township ex- 
tended bevond the Blue Mountains. 




STONE SCHOOL HOUSE. 



160 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The Heisters, who later became prominent in the affairs of the 
nation, were among the early settlers. They located near the Tulpe- 
hocken Creek where they operated a mill. 

The chief occupation is farming". In the southern part the sur- 
face is level and the soil very productive. Along- the Schuylkill are 
numerous limestone quarries. Canal boats were at one time built 
rather extensively at Rickenbach Station, a small town south of West 
Leesport. 

Several mills were operated along the Tulpehocken at an earlv 
period. 

Parvin's tannery was one of the earliest industries. 

The borough of West Leesport lies in this township. 

Glenside, a suburban town of Reading, is situated in this district 
immediately across the Schuylkill Avenue bridge. Xear it is the 
House of the Good Shepherd, established by the Catholic Church in 
1900 for the care of young girls. More than two hundred inmates 
can be accommodated. 

The Berkshire Country Club has a well-equipped club house 
about one mile north of Glenside. 

Leinbach's lies near the centre of the township and much of its 
public business is transacted there. Epler's church is near it. 

Strause, Pig's Hill and Heister's Mill are other prominent places 
in the township. Bern Church is close to Pig's Hill. 

The Schuylkill River forms the eastern boundary of Bern and 

along its wooded banks numerous bungalows have been erected. 

These are occupied during the summer by residents of Reading, who 

are fond of boating and swimming. The river furnishes great sport 

and various kinds of craft ply upon its waters throughout the warm 

months. 

UPPER BERN. 

Upper Bern lies in the northern part of the county. The north- 
ern part of Bern was cut oft and a new township erected in 1789, 
which was called Upper Bern. On account of its proximity to the 
Blue Mountains, which at this point rise to an elevation of lj500 
feet,' and its distance from Reading, this district was exposed to the 
attacks of the Indians. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



161 



On September 11, 1703, Commissary Seely wrote to Governor 
John Penn : "'This moment, at Reading, as I was sending off the 
express, certain intelligence came that the house of Frantz Huble, in 
Bern (now Upper Bern), about eighteen miles from here, was attacked 
Friday evening last by Indians ; he is wounded, his wife and three 
children carried off, and three others of his children scalped alive. 
two of whom have since died." 

The early settlers were Germans and engaged mostly in farming. 
The ruins of an old forge can be seen along the Xorthkill at the, base 
of the Blue Mountains. This shows that an iron industry was 
located here in the early colonial days. Places where charcoal was 
burned can also be found in this district. 

Grist mills as well as other mills have been operated in this 
township from the time of its earliest settlement. 

Berrying and Tea-picking. During the summer months, when 
the huckleberries are ripe, berry parties scour the mountains for this 
fruit. A day's berrying on top of the mountains is quite a recreation 
for both old and young. The picturesque views along the mountains, 
the meandering streams, the clear spring water, and the pure air are 




KEY'S TAVERN ON LINE BETWEEN BERKS AND SCHUYLKILL 



182 



THE teTORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



the best of Nature's tonics. In the Fall of the year, just before the 
frost sets in, tea-picking starts. We do not need to go to China and 
Japan for tea. A day's ramble in the mountains near the Sand Spring, 
the source of the Northkill, will give you a year's supply of the famous 
Blue Mountain Tea, which is delightful in taste and rich in medicinal 
properties. 

Shartlesville is the only town in the towns'hip. It has several 
hotels, a few stores and other business places. A large brick church 
stands on an elevation south of the town. 

On the summit of the Blue Mountains, along the public road is 
Ney's Tavern. It marks the boundary between Berks and Schuylkill. 

BETHEL. 
This is the most northwestern township in the county. Its 
name is derived from a place in Palestine. The first settlement was 
made in 1733, immediately after the Indians sold the land. A 
Moravian meeting house was built not far from the Swatara Creek 
and named Bethel. W'hen the county was erected, what up to that 
time had been known as Bethel Township was divided. That part 
not retained in Berks became a part of Lebanon County. The 
township as now constituted is almost eleven miles long and four 
miles wide. 

Indian troubles. Many people were killed by the Indians in 

the township, even though Fort Henry had been built to protect 

them. It stood in a depression in the mountains called "The Hole." 

In November, 1?55, Conrad Weiser wrote to Governor Morris 

for help. < )n account of Braddock's defeat in western Pennsylvania, 

the Indians, incited by the 
French under the pretense of 
restoring them to their coun- 
try, fell upon the exposed set- 
tlements of this township, and 
even Weiser's own home was 
in danger. While a company 
of men were on their way to 
Fort Henry, they were fired 
upon and several were killed 
fort HENRY, BUTLT 1756. and scalped. One man in this 




THE TOWNSHIPS 



163 



company, named Christopher Ury, shot a stout Indian through the 
breast and he dropped dead. The Indians were divided into small 
bands. One of these bands attacked the house of Thomas Brown, 
on the Swatara Creek, on a dark night. An Indian stuck his gun 
through a window and shot and killed a shoemaker. Others in the 
house, surprised at this sudden attack, defended themselves by firing 
out of the windows. The firing aroused the neighbors, who fired 
guns and made a great noise. This frightened the Indians away. 
That night help came from Tulpehocken and Heidelberg. Amongst 
these was Weiser's son, Frederick. They saw Indians running a'wav 
with prisoners whom they immediately scalped. Frederick Weiser 
found a woman, just expired, lying upon her face. Upon removing 
her body, he found beneath it a babe about fourteen days old. It 
was wrapped in a cushion. The babe's nose was quite flat. Fred- 
erick set it right and the child recovered. 

Saw mills, grist mills, clover mills, tanneries and distilleries were 
early erected in the township along the Little Swatara Creek, which 
furnished the water-power. 

In the Blue Mountains, which rise 
to an elevation of one thousand six hun- 
dred and twenty feet, has been erected 
a reservoir which furnishes water-power 
to run an electric light plant that pro- 
duces light f"r Millersburg, Strauss- 
town. Rehrersburg and neighboring 
towns. 

The water is dammed up and allowed 
to pass through a small opening under 
great pressure. A water-wheel here 
creates power for propelling dynamos 
that generate electricity. This is but an 
indication how later our children will use 
the power of the streams to light and 
heat their homes, to boil their food, etc., 
just as our grandfathers used them to 
break their flax, grind their grain and 
propel their forger 




HAND MILL 



164 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Towns. Millersburg, about twenty-five railes from Reading, 
is one of the principal towns. It was laid out in 1814. Its post- 
office bears the name of Bethel and was established in 1827. It 
has a good sized shirt factory. 

Shubert lies south of the Blue Mountains, about four miles east 
of Millersburg. About twenty of its people are employed in a shirt 
factory. 

Meckville is a small hamlet about six miles west of Millers- 
burg near the county line. In the store of the village is the post- 
office where daily mails are received from Lebanon. 

Frevstown is situated on the road leading from Rehrersburg 
to Jonestown. There is one store, a cigar factory, a cider mill and 
an apple-butter cookery. 'The town was long noted for its tanneries, 
but these have been abandoned. 

BRECKNOCK. 

The early settlers of this township were Welsh and the name 
is probably taken from a division in southern Wales. The town- 
ship was settled in 1720 and erected in 1741. A portion of this 
township was retained as a part of Lancaster County when Berks 
was organized. Some of it was also taken to form Cumru. The 
highest elevation is Kindt's Point about one thousand feet high. 

Four fine streams of water rise in this township. Alle- 
gheny Creek has several mill sites which are still used. At one 
of these, below Bowman's Mill, John Bowman carried on the wool 
carding and cloth fulling business. Liquor was distilled in this 
township before 18(10. Next to farming, fruit culture is the chief 
occupation of the people. 

The Reading & Southwestern Electric Road passes through the 
northern corner of the township. 

Knauer's is the principal business center. It has an up-to- 
date hotel and a large implement trade. 

Alleghenyville and Hummel's Store are other villages. 

CAERNARVON. 

Caernarvon Township is situated in the extreme southern part of 
Berks County. The territory was settled by the Welsh 
about 1700. They came from a county in Wales which 



THE TOWNSHIPS 165 

bore the same name. They named the range of hills bordering the 
south side of the township the Welsh Mountains. The Conestoga 
creek has its source in this township. The township comprises about 
8.500 acres with an assessed valuation of $450,000. Part of the town- 
ship is situated in the beautiful Conestoga Valley and part in what 
is known as the Forest Hills. The Conestoga Pike was laid out 
through the centre of this valley and was one of the main highways 
between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh before the railroads were built. 
All merchandise and farm products were transported on Conestoga 
wagons which were large wagons with white canvas covers and were 
drawn by six horses or mules. To accommodate this traffic there 
were taverns about a mile apart in the township and it was a 
common sight to see a dozen of these large teams leave one of 
these taverns at one time. 

First copper mine. The Township has numerous deposits of 
iron ore, none of which are in operation. Jones' Mine situated in 
Caernarvon Township is the site of the oldest copper mine in this 
country. Years ago ithe copper ore was hauled in wagons to Phila- 
delphia and shipped to England. Vast quantities of iron ore were 
also shipped from this mine. 

There are numerous water-powers in the township, some of 
them in use, others abandoned. For many years a woolen mill oc- 
cupied one of these power sites and was considered quite an industry 
as it had the largest spinning machine in this country. It was 
abandoned in 1S74, and the machinery taken to Reading and in- 
stalled in a factory. 

Villages. The principal village is called Morgantown. named in 
honor of Colonel Jacob Morgan, an officer of the Revolution, who 
laid out the town on his land. His home is still standing situated one 
mile north of Morgantown, on the Reading road which was at that 
time known as Cherry lane, Col. Morgan's private driveway, taking 
its name from the fact that the Colonel planted cherry trees on both 
sides of this road. General Washington visited Colonel Morgan 
during the winter the army was at Valley Forge. This was one of 
the few times Washington was in Berks County. 

East of Morgantown a mile and one-half stands the former 
home of Lieut. -Col. Jonathan Jones, a Revolutionary officer, who 



166 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

was with Arnold in 'his Quebec campaign. Adjoining the Morgan 
tract was the Clymer tract, which family were prominently identi- 
fied with the history of this county. 

Joanna, on the Wilmington & Northern Railroad, has an im- 
portant milk station that was established in l!»(l!). 

Education. In 1827 the citizens of Caernarvon built. a school 
house in which a pay school was held until the public school law 
was passed, and Caernarvon was the first township to adopt the free 
school system. The people have always taken a great interest in 
education, and adopted of their own accord the free text book in 
1874, leading the county again in this movement. The earliest 
settlers were Episcopalians. The Methodists came into the town- 
ship about 1830. Later the Conestoga Valley became settled by 
the Amish, a German set who dress plain, somewhat like the 
Quakers. They speak the Pennsylvania German language among 
themselves, but this language is very little used in Caernarvon 
Township. 

CENTRE. 

Early History. This township was taken from Bern and Upper 
Bern and organized in 1843. It was named so from its central loca- 
tion. In 1857 a small portion, comprising about twelve acres, was 
taken from Centre and added to Bern. 

Several Indian paths lead through this township, by which the 
Indians could come unobserved, fall upon the exposed farm houses 
and retrace their steps before an alarm could be spread. This thought 
filled the minds of the early settlers with the greatest anxiety. 

An incident happened in Centre during the summer of 1757 
which shows that the Indians were sometimes aided by a certain 
class of whites disguised as Indians in committing depredations. In 
a letter from James Reed to Governor Denny, dated Reading, July 
27, 1757, is the following statement: "It is with great uneasiness 
I must inform Your Honor that the day before yesterday four white 
men took away from a plantation, thirteen miles from this town, 
one Good, a lad about sixteen years old, and carried him- to four 
Indians about eight miles from the place where he was taken. The 
white men and the Indians all got drunk, and the lad happily made 
his escape in the night." 



THE TOWNSHIPS 167 

The winter of 1T58 was very severe and on account of the 
severity of the weather t'he people were not molested by the Indians, 
but they felt less secure because Fort Northkill had been abandoned, 
and they were very apprehensive of an attack as soon as the snow 
had melted and the weather became fair. 




GRAIN CRADLE. 

Industries. From the earliest colonial days, saw mills and 
grist mills have been operated on the banks of Irish Creek. As 
farming always has been the leading occupation, some enterprising 
people engaged in the manufacture of articles needed on the farm. 
Near Belleman's Church grain cradles were manufactured when that 
was the only means <:>f harvesting the grain. Another much needed 
article on the farm is the rake, which is being manufactured several 
miles west of Centreport, along Irish Creek. The Reber Wagon 
Works, near Centreport, turn out a superior farm wagon. The ice- 
dam near the mouth of Iris'h Creek* covers about thirty acres, and 
the storage house nearby has a capacity of more than twenty-five 
thousand tons. It is known as the Dauberville Ice Plant, and was 
established in 1888. 



168 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Towns. The borough of Centreport lies in this township. 

Mohrsville is a thriving town. The depot was built in 1841, and 
the hotel opposite in 1851. 

Shoemakersville Station, several miles north, was located in 
1862. 

Centreville (Garfield), in t'he southwestern section of the town- 
ship, has been a business place for many years. 

COLEBROOKDALE. 

Colebrookdale Township was settled in 1720 and organized in 
1741. It was named after Colebrook, a district in England. The 
early settlers were Englishmen, who were familiar with the manu- 
facture of iron. It was the discovery of iron ore in 1720 along Iron- 
stone Creek, within the present limits of Boyertown, which caused 
these men to take up large areas of land. A furnace was immediately 
built along this creek and the mines opened, but it was not until about 
1845 that the Colebrookdale mines began to be worked extensively. 
The Phoenix Iron Company began to operate the mines in 1854, when 
they put up the first engine. Since that time very much ore has been 
removed. Next to the Cornwall mines near Lebanon, these are the 
largest in the state. There are four shafts. The ore yields from 
fifty-five to fifty-six per cent, of metallic iron. Owing to the fact 
that the mines are very deep, enormous quantities of water must be 
pumped out. 

Industries. Besides the iron industry, there are many other 
noteworthy enterprises in the district. A large tannery was operated 
east of Boyertown for many years, and the streams of the township 
have long been used to furnish power for mills of various kinds. In 
the vicinity of Boyertown, a large amount of choice fruit is being 
raised, and the locality is noted for its fine apples and peaches. 

The borough of Boyertown lies in this township. 

New Berlinville is a village one mile east of Boyertown. A store, 
hotel and implement house are fhe chief business places. 

Morvsville lies about one mile west of Boyertown. It contains 
a mill and a few other business places. 

Engelsville is located in the southern part of the township. Coop- 



THE TOWNSHIPS 169 

ering has been the principal business for a number of years. Bricks 
are manufactured to a considerable extent. 

Gabelsville is a small town north of Boyertown along the Oley 
Valley trolley line. It has a few business places. 

CUMRU. 

The first settlement in this township was made in 1732, and 
the township was organized in 1737. It was named Cumru after 
a district in Wales, whence many of the settlers came. 

An attempt to divide the township was made in 1842. This 
was not successful. Another attempt was made in 1845 which 
also failed. A third attempt was made in 1850 and this proved 
successful. 

Genera] Mifflin's farm was located in this township. John 
Penn accompanied by Judge James Biddle visited the General while 
on his way from Reading to Harrisburg. The following is an ac- 
count of his visit : 

"The General and Mrs. Mifflin received us in a neat farmhouse, 
and being very early themselves, provided a second breakfast for 
us, though it was only half-past seven. He took us around some 
of his improvements, and I rode with him to various points of view 
which commanded the town of Reading and circumjacent hills and 
valleys. He farms about twelve hundred acres, and has a Scotch 
farmer who conducts the business; one hundred acres of meadow 
land he waters. A neighbor of the General's is one of the marrving 
Dunkers. They live in their own houses like other countrvmen, 
but wear their beards long. General Mifflin, with agreeable frank- 
ness and affability, pressed us both to stay for an early dinner, to 
which we sat down about one o'clock. After dinner I mounted 
my horse and came into the Carlisle road about three miles off at 
Sinking Spring." 

The County Home. The ; arm, which in Revolutionary times, 
was owned by Thomas Mifflin, was purchased by the county in 1824 
for the purpose of providing a home for the poor people of the 
county. It is located three miles from Reading on the Lancaster 
Road and contains four hundred seventeen and one-fourth acres. 
The r rst building was finished in 1825. This has since been known 



170 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

as the Main Building, and other buildings, such as the "Insane Build- 
ing," and "Hospital", have been added since. During the first year 
one hundred and thirty persons were admitted to this home, and 
thereafter the number increased until 1878 when the home contained 
as many as sixteen hundred thirteen. At present there are about 
two hundred fifty. 

The. Wyomissing is the most important stream of the town- 
ship. At the mouth of the creek opposite Reading almost since 
colonial days have been located mills. A number of mill sites are 
located on the banks of this stream. In these old mills carding was 
done and clover was hulled; the water-power was used to saw wood, 
manufacture hats, draw wire and bore out and grind rifle 
barrels. David Pennypacker manufactured guns complete on the 
banks of this stream as early as 178G. 

The Hat Industry. The Hendel Hat Factory was established 
in 1878. It employs many hands and has been operated by the 
Hendels since the time of its erection. The place is now called 
Hendelton. 

In 1884 Orr and Sembower erected a plant for the manufacture 
of engines. The firm known as the Millmont Works was incor- 
porated in 1890. 

The manufacture of stoves, ranges and heaters was begun by 
the Prizer Painter Stove Company at Millmont in 1889. 

The Chantrell Tool Company began business at Millmont in 
1892. They manufacture household specialties and builders' hard- 
ware. 

The Belt Line, extending through Spring and Cumru Townships, 
was built to relieve some of the congestion of the P. & R. Railroad. 
At Millmont also is located the ice-house of the Angelica Ice Com- 
pany. This company has various plants along the Angelica Creek, 
and can store many thousands of tons of ice. 

The Mt. Penn Ice Company also has an ice plant in this town- 
ship. 

A plant to dispose of the. garbage collected at Reading was 
built in 1902, about a mile south of Grill Village. At the mouth of 



THE TOWNSHIPS 171 

Wyomissing Creek the Metropolitan Electric Company has estab- 
lished a large and powerful plant for the purpose of furnishing 
light and power. 

The Globe Rendering Company, whose object is to manufac- 
ture oils, fertilizers and poultry food out of slaughter house 
offals, was established in 1009. 

A property containing twenty acres of land, upon which has 
been built the Mother House of the St. Bernardine Sisters, is lo- 
cated in this township. Sixty-five teachers are connected with this 
institution. 

The boroughs of Shillington and Mohnton lie in this township. 
Oakbrook, Millmont, Gouglersville, Grill, Angelica, Hendelton and 
Edison are the villages of Cumru. 

DISTRICT. 

District Township was organized in 1750. In that year the 
County Commissioners divided the large territory comprised with- 
in the borders of Oley, forming a new township out of the eastern 
part. Because this lay between Oley proper and Colebrookdale, 
is was frequently referred to as the district lying between the two, 
so when the time came to select a name for the new township, it 
was called District. 

In 1840 about eleven hundred acres were added to this town- 
ship in the eastern section. The part added was taken from Here- 
ford Township. The highest point in the township is eleven hun- 
dred feet above sea level. 

Industries. During its early history there were mills and tan- 
neries along the small creeks, and ruins of them may still be seen. 
The chief occupation of the people is farming. 

Towns. Landis Store is in the central part of the township. 
A tavern was built about 1800. The building is still standing. The 
post office was named after Samuel Landis, who first opened it in 
1X5:5. 

Fredericksville is situated in the northwestern part of the 
township. It was named after David Frederick, who built the 
first house. 



172 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

DOUGLASS. 

It is probable that the first settlements were made by the 
Swedes, but many of the early records show that settlers came from 
the Palatinate. Through this township led the pathway of the 
Wolf Indians and the settlers on their way to Amity and Oley. 
The name is of Scotch origin, and is supposed to have been sug- 
gested by the petitioners. The township was erected from a part 
of Amity. 

The early settlers had their share of trouble with the savages. 
It is said that in 1728 eleven Indians, part of a small local tribe, 
which was not represented in the council, came to this section 
armed and painted for war. They plundered and took provisions by 
force. A brief battle was fought between them and twenty set- 
tlers, in which several were wounded on each side. The people 
in the community rallied and the savages fled. 

Industries. The first iron manufactured in Pennsylvania was 
made in this section. One of the principal industries is the Pine 
Iron Works, near Pine Forge. The product is diamond and ribbed 
steel plates, which are in demand in all civilized countries. 

The Colebrookdale foundry, near Colebrookdale station, estab- 
lished about 1837, manufactures flatirons, meat choppers and other 
household utensils. It is in a flourishing condition. 

On the south side of Rattlesnake Hill is located a stone crush- 
er that is preparing hundreds of tons of rock to serve useful pur- 
poses in building and macadamizing. 

The iron industries are located along the Manatawny and 
Ironstone Creeks, which originally furnished the exclusive power. 

The soil, though not superior, is still the most valuable asset 
of the people, who have for many years derived enough from it to 
give them a comfortable living. Fully five thousand peach trees 
flourish in this section and yield rich returns to their owners. 

Pine Forge is the principal railroad station and has a number 
of business places. The post office is located about one-fourth of a 
mile from the station. 

Little Oley is the next town in size and lies about two miles 
north of Pine Forge. Greshville is a village about a mile from 
Little Oley. Other places are Colebrookdale Station, Ironstone Sta- 
tion and Bramcote. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 173 

EARL. 

Earl was a part of Oley Township until 1781, when the inhabitants 
petitioned the court for a new township which was granted the same 
year. It contained ten thousand eight hundred eighty-two acres, 
but in 1852 a part of it was annexed to Pike, reducing the area to 
nine thousand five hundred twenty acres. Its name was derived 
from a title of nobility. 

The F.irst Settler. Peter Clous was the first settler. He took 
up land in the northern part and opened a public house near the 
present site of Shanesville. Many old people reside in this town 
ship. Betsy Trout, who recently died, was one hundred and one 
years old. 

The first public house in the township was opened at the foot 
ot Long Hill in what is known as Woodchoppertown. The early 
elections were held in this house, but it has long since been changed 
to a dwelling. Koch's tavern in the northern part of the township was 
abandoned many years ago. 

About 1800, a forge was erected on the Manatawny near Earl- 
ville. It was abandoned in 18G8 and made into a saw mill. A fulling: 
mill was operated for many years near the mouth of Trout Brook, 
near which was also a powder mill. There was also a small furnace 
on Furnace Creek, and a pioneer oil mill along the small stream in 
the northern part of the township. The oil mill was changed to a 
grist mill, which was abandoned in 1883. The tanning business was 
carried on near Worman in the early part of the nineteenth century 
and a large amount of charcoal was burned on the hills. 

Ore mines. Many years ago iron ore was mined on Nagle Hill 
and hauled to Monocacy. The ore that was taken out of Furnace 
Hill was converted into pig iron by the small furnace there. About 
five years ago the Manatawny Bessemer Ore Company began to 
operate the mines in the hills of Earl. 

Fancy Hill (one thousand feet) contains iron ore. 

Graphite has recently been discovered in Powder Mill Valley 
and mica in Furnace Valley. The Oley Valley trolley was built 
through the township in 1001 and the Manatawny Railroad to con- 
nect the mines with the Pennsylvania Railroad near Stowe was com- 
menced in 11112. 



174 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



Shanesville is a village of about twenty houses. It was named 
after John Shane, who owned the land upon which the town was 
founded. 

Earlville is a village along the Manatawny in the western part 
of the township. 

EXETER. 

The settlers who first made their homes in Exeter, arrived there 
in 1718. In 1741 the township was organized. It was so named after 
a district in England whence the first settlers came. Tobias Collet, 
Daniel Ouair and Henry Goldney took up a tract of one thousand 
acres on the east side of the river. This was called the London Com- 
pany. In 1699 Penn had granted to this company six thousand acres 
of land in Pennsylvania. 

The Lincoln Home. One thousand acres of the same was 
granted by the company to Andrew Robeson. It was this Robeson 
tract that later came into the possession of Mordecai Lincoln, who had 
two sons: Thomas and Abraham. Abraham emigrated to Kentucky 
in 1782, where he was killed by the Indians. He left three sons: one 




LINCOLN HOME. 



of these (Thomas) was tne father of Abraham Lincoln, who later be- 
came President of the United States. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



175 



The Boone Home. A part of this same tract was granted to 
Squire Boone, of Philadelphia County, the father of the famous Ken- 
tucky hunter. Boone was born in this township in 1733 on a farm 




BOONE HOME. 

which is about one mile north of Baumstown. The building where 
he was born is still standing though it has been much improved. His 
father and family left the township in 1750. Later he went beyond 
the mountains, where he met with his experiences with the Indians. 

Industries. The water-power of the Antietam propelled the 
first mills. Xear the Alsace line is one of them, which for many years 
was in the possession of the Warner's. The mill below this was at one 
time used to bore rifles. A paper mill and a grinding mill were also 
located on the stream. A hat factory and an oil mill for a time did 
a prosperous business. The St. Lawrence mills have been operated 
for quite a long time. They manufacture, by the use of improved ma- 
chinery, all kinds of fabrics. On the same stream, in L828, there was 
erected a mill which was abandoned a number of years ago, and in 
its place was put a small feed mill. 

A fulling mill w^as located on the Monocacy just where it enters 
this township. The largest mill in the township was also on the 



176 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



Monocacy. It was operated by the water of a race almost. a mile 
long. It is supposed that the Boone family were among these early 
promoters.- 

The Brumbach mills were established in 1853 for the manufac- 
ture of woolen goods. In this township also was erected in 1870 
what was known as the Seidle Forge. It produced forge iron for 
locomotive engines. The Brooke Furnace, also in the township, 
has an annual production of twenty-one thousand tons. It is 
a part of the plant of the Brooke Iron Company and was established 
in 1872. 

The principal towns in the township are the following: Black 
Bear, Jaeksonwald, St. Lawrence (Esterly), Stonersville. Stonetown, 
Baumstown, Birdsboro Station, Lorane, Neversink Station, Klapper- 
thal and Oley Line (Limekiln). 

GREENWICH. 

Greenwich was organized in 1741). It derives its name from 
Greenwich, England. The first settlers were Germans, who set- 




SCENE ALONG THE SACONY. 

tied along the Ontelaunee and Sacony. 

Indian raids extended into this township. In March, 1755, a 
mill belonging to Peter Conrad was burned by the Indians. At 
the same time a neighbor's barn was burned and his wife killed. 
Numerous Indian relics are still found. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



177 



The township furnished soldiers for each one of the important 
wars of the United States. 

Industries. The township has always been well supplied with 
mills. Tanneries, clover mills, grinding- mills, grain cradle factories, 
carding mills and oil mills have all existed in their time, but these 
now are things of the past. Distilleries were common, and whiskey 
and applejack were taken to Philadelphia and sold at thirty-five 
and twenty-five cents a gallon, respectively. 

The Maidencreek furnace at Lenhartsville made pig iron for 
many years, and a forge was located south of Lenhartsville, but 
only the ruins remain. 

Red slate for paint is quarried in the northern part. Build- 
ing stone is common, and valuable limestone is plentiful in the 
southern section. 

The borough of Lenhartsville lies in this township. 

Klinesville is two miles east of Lenhartsville. A man named 
Kline put up a log building and kept a store there before 1800. 




BLUE ROCKS, GREENWICH TOWNSHIP, BLUE MOUNTAIN'S. 

Krumsville is three miles east of Klinesville. It is a flourishing 
village. It was formerly known as Smit'hville. 

Grimville is near the township line. Before the days of railroads 
this was an important business place. A tannery was for a long 
time the leading industry. 



178 THE STOEY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Dreibelbeis is a flag station along the Schuylkill & Lehigh Rail- 
road. Mills have been operated since Revolutionary times. 

Liscum is a small place three miles north of Kutztown. 

A Natural Curiosity. The Blue Rocks, in the northwestern part 
of the township, are a natural curiosity and are much visited by 
historians, scientists and others. The Blue Mountains near them 
rise to a height of sixteen hundred feet. The location is in the 
extreme point of Greenwich, very close to the line of both Albany 
and Windsor. 

HEIDELBERG. 

Many of the early settlers in this township came from a district 
of the same name in Germany and named their township after their 
home in the fatherland. These first settlers were connected with 
the settlement of the Tulpehocken district. The first settlements 
were in the neighborhood of Womelsdorf. It was a part of Lan- 
caster County until 1752. Different attempts were made to divide 
the township but they failed, until 1842 when the eastern portion 
w r as erected under the name of Lower Heidelberg, and the northern 
portion three years later as Xorth Heidelberg. 

The Weiser Farm. The Weiser farm contained two hundred 
and forty-eight acres of land, selected probably more on account of 
the abundance of water and valuable timber than fertility of soil. 
Many very old buildings yet remain standing in this township 
The remains of Conrad Weiser rest as they were interred many years 
ago. The spot will continue to become more noted as the early 
history of the nation becomes better known. 

A tannery was located on the old State Road east of Womels- 
dorf as early as 1 TOO. 

West of Robesonia most excellent lime has been produced for 
many years. The stone here quarried yield a large percentage of 
good lime. 

The Robesonia Furnace was located on Spring Creek, south 
of Robesonia. In rebuilding the stack in 1844, a most serious acci- 
dent occurred in which seven men were killed. So much damage 
was done that the plant was remodeled. It now employs about two 
hundred men and produces about two hundred tons of iron daily. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



179 



Bethany Orphans' Home was established in 18(>7 one mile 
south of Womelsdorf by the German Reformed Church. It was 




BETHANY ORPHANS' HOME. 

destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1.881. It cares for many orphans, a 
small percentage of whom come from Berks County. 

The borough of Womelsdorf lies on the boundary between this 
township and Marion. 

Robesonia is the largest town and has made application to be- 
come a borough. Here is located the township high school. It 
has quite a few business places and is splendidly located. 

NORTH HEIDELBERG. 

Heidelberg Township originally contained about thirty-seven 
thousand acres. Part of its territory was taken to form Lower Heidel- 
berg in 1842. One year later a small portion was taken to form 
Marion. In 1845 a petition was presented to the court for another 
division. It was granted, and North Heidelberg was erected. Many 
of the early settlers were Moravians. It was so named on account 
of its location. 

On the Tulpehocken, which forms the northern as well as the 
western boundary of the township, there have been saw and grist 
mills for years. At some of the mill sites whiskey was formerly 
distilled. On Spring Creek, saw and grist mills built years ago are 
still sawing and grinding. The chief occupation of the people is 
farming. 

The principal business centre is Klopp's Store (North Heidel- 
berg). It has a store, hotel, implement house and a creamerv. 



180 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

LOWER HEIDELBERG. 

Heidelberg Township was reduced in 1842, when Lower Heidel- 
berg- was made a separate township. Ten years after the erection of 
the township a petition was filed for dividing Lower Heidelberg. 
Commissioners were appointed to draw the line and make a report 
to court. They reported favorably and suggested Cacoosing as the 
name of the new district. Objections were filed and the proposed 
new township was not erected. 

Small brooks running from South Mountain were made to turn 
mills. One of the first was built in 1755. There was a paper 
mill on Spring Creek before 1800. This was later turned into a 
joiner's shop. Gun barrels next were made here and then it was 
turned into a woolen factory. 

The old Berkshire Furnace has historic interest. It was a small 
charcoal furnace, erected before 17G0. The ore was mined in what is 
now Spring Township. The Reading Furnace was built upon Mill 
Creek and the Berkshire Furnace was abandoned because of lack of 
water. 

A paper mill was started near the mouth of the Cacoosing Creek 
in 1825, and continued in the Van Reed Family for more than seventy 
years. It has been operated from time to time by various parties. 

Mountain Resorts. This township has become famous for its 
magnificent health resorts. They follow in order of their establish- 
ment : 

Wenrich's Grand View was established in 1849. It has been 
greatlv improved since that time. 

The Walter Sanatarium has been improved and enlarged several 
times since it was erected in 1877. It is one of the most noted resorts 
of its kind in the country. 

'Grosch's Sunset House was built in 1870. It has been .much 
improved and enlarged and is now known as Sunset Hall. 

Preston's Sunny Side was established in 1880, and operated 
successfully ever since. It is now Galen Hall. 

The Hossler Highland House was started by James Schaffer in 
1800. It was later bought by James Hossler, who has conducted it 
successfullv ever since. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



181 



The Wernersville State Asylum was established in 1894. It is 
located west of Wernersville. This site was selected bv a commission 




WERNERSVILLE STATE INSANE ASYLUM. 



appointed by the governor. It contains five hundred and forty acres 
of land and building's valued at five hundred thousand dollars. Xew 
buildings are constantly being added. 

Villages. Wernersville is eight miles from Reading on the 
Lebanon Valley Railroad. It is one of the finest towns in the county, 
and contains the township high school. 

Brownsville is in the western part of the township. The Lower 
Heidelberg post office was established here in 1864. The name is 
derived from a family who early kept a store in the village. 

Blue Marsh (Stateville) is in the northern section of the town- 
ship. It has been so called for one hundred and fifty years. Lorah 
(State Hill) is at the top of the hill, southeast of Blue Marsh. 

Cacoosing is located in the eastern section along Cacoosing 
Creek. 

HEREFORD. 

The name of this township was derived from a district in Eng- 
land. The first settlers were nearly all German Schwenkfelders, 
but the name was probably given by the English iron masters. It 
was settled in 1732, and organized in 1753. A large portion of the 
original township was taken to form Washington. 



182 THE STORY OF BERK8 COUNTY 

Indian Depredations. The lower part of the county was dis- 
turbed very little by the Indians, but in March, 1750, they ventured 
as far south as Hereford. The Pennsylvania Gazette says, "On 
March 22, one John Krauscher and his wife and William Zeth and 
his boy, about twelve years old, went to their place to find the cat- 1 
tie, and on their return were fired upon by five Indians, who hid 
themselves about ten perches from the road, when Zeth was mortal- 
ly wounded in the back; Krauscher's wife was found dead and 
scalped and had three cuts in her right arm with a tomahawk. 
Krauscher made his escape, and the boy was carried off by the 
enemy." 

Industries. The water-power furnished by the Perkiomen has 
been used for years to turn the mills of this township. Potteries, 
oil mills and saw mills have all flourished in times past. 

On the west branch of the Perkiomen many years ago there 
was a small charcoal furnace. Iron ore mining has been carried 
on in the northern part of the township for many years. 

In the western part of the township was located the Mayburg 
Furnace, where a celebrated stove was manufactured, as well as 
many other useful articles needed in the colony. In the dam of 
this furnace may be seen a flat stone with a hole in the center, where 
the Indians formerly ground their corn. The pestle which fits the 
hole is in the possession of the owner of the property. An excep- 
tional quality of granite is quarried near Siesholtzville. 

Towns. Siesholtzville is named after a former hotel keeper at 
that place. The first public place was opened about 1800, and the 
post office in 1849. 

Huff's Church is on the west branch of the Perkiomen, and is 
quite a business centre. 

Treichlersville lies in the eastern part of the township. Here- 
ford post office was established here in 1830. Hereford lies a short 
distance northwest. 

Harlem is a small place south of Siesholtzville. 

Clayton and Chapel lie near the Montgomery County line. 

JEFFERSON. 

Jefferson was a part of Tulpehocken until 1851, when it was 
organized as a separate township. It was named after the first Demo- 



THE TOWNSHIPS 183 

cratic President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Its early 
history is closely associated with that of Tulpehocken and Heidel- 
berg. It is bounded on the south by the Tulpehocken Creek, along 
whose course many of the Indians and the early settlers traveled. 

Mills of various kinds have been operated for many years, not 
only along the Tulpehocken, but also on its tributaries, the Little 
Northkill and Mill Creek. 

Tulpehocken (Schaefferstown) is the principal village and busi- 
ness centre. 

Krick's Mill (Cross Key) is situated on the Tulpehocken. 

LONGSWAMP. 

This township touches the Lehigh line and is located in the east- 
ern part of the county. It was settled in 1734 chiefly by the Germans, 
who came from Goshenhoppen and Oley. The first person to come 
here is said to have been a man named Berger, who settled 
in Long's Dale. These early settlers found the land low and swampy, 
covered with sour grass and thickets, and for this reason gave it the 
name it still retains. 

An Early Church. The Longswamp Church, established in 
1748, was one of the earliest churches of the county. In its cemetery 
may be found the graves of a number of Revolutionary soldiers, the 
township having furnished two companies — one commanded by 
Charles Crouse and the other by Henry Egner. Frederick Heelwig 
taught school in this township before 1752 and also served as tax 
collector. The first assessment, made in 1754, shows that there were 
fourteen single and sixty-eight married men taxed. 

The soil of the towns'hip is excellent and its farms are noted for 
their production of wheat and corn. The streams of Longswamp 
supplied abundant water-power for a number of forges, furnaces 
and grist mills, remains of which may still be seen. 

A charcoal furnace was in operation on the Little Lehigh as 
early as 1797. This later became the Mary Ann Furnace, where 
were cast the first stoves for burning anthracite coal. These were 
long known as the "Lehigh Coal Stove." A mill for grinding gypsum 
has been abandoned. A number of clay works have been operated 



184 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

during the past thirty years. Their product is used in the manu- 
facture of wall paper. Ochre has been produced since 1882 and 
graphite since 1880. Iron ore was discovered as early as 1752. The 
mines at Rittenhouse Gap and Oreville have for many years yielded 
excellent ore. The former is no longer operated. It is reported that 
nearly every farm in the township is underlaid with iron ore. 

Brandywine Hill and the Glen are much visited 'because of the 
beauty of their scenerv. 

Towns. Longswamp Centre is one of the oldest villages. It 
contains a rug mill and a splendid second grade Township High 
School, being the first established in the county. 

Red Lion, Maple Grove and Schweyer's are mining towns. 

Shamrock is the name given to one of the railroad stations. It 
was so called from the plant which was found while the railroad was 
being built. 

Mertztown, the largest village, contains a number of manu- 
facturing establishments, among which are a flour mill, an asbestos 
factory and an ochre plant. 

Hancock contains a planing mill. 

Henningsville is located on the mountains in the southern section. 

The borough of Topton lies in this township. 

MAIDENCREEK. 

This township was named after the stream that flows through 
it. It was settled in 1732 chiefly by the Quakers, and erected into 
a township in 1710. In 1810 the township was divided and the west- 
ern section was called Ontelaunee. This word means Little Daugh- 
ter, so called by the Indians because the creek flowed into the 
Schuylkill. 

Settled by Quakers. The Quakers were the pioneers of this 
township and the old building once used as a Quaker Meeting House 
and school house near Stone Bridge, is a silent index of their educa- 
tional sentiment. They were for education and peace, and it was 
chiefllv due to their friendly relations with the Indians that the people 
of this township were unmolested. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



185 




OLD QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, MAIDENCREEK. 

In 1750 the Assembly declared war upon the Delawares and 
Shawnese and offered rewards for Indian scalps. This caused many 
of the Quaker members to resign and Quaker rule in Pennsylvania 
declined. 

The chief occupation of the people is farming. There are lime- 
stone quarries at different places and excellent lime is burned. 

Near Evansville is one of the most up-to-date cement mills in 
the state. There is also a small plant near Molltown. This is the 
onlv township in the county in which this industry is carried on. 

The rolling mill at Blandon employs many hands and shows the 
thrift in the iron industry. 

Towns. Blandon is the largest town and is noted for its iron 
manufacture. 

Molltown has a few business places. 

Evansville is about one-half mile west of Evansville Station. It 
contains a store and a mill. 

Calcium (Maidencreek Station) has a grain house and coal yard. 
Limestone and lime are shipped from tin's point. 

Maidencreek (Halfway House) is about one mile north of Blan- 
don and has a few industries. 



186 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

MARION. 

Marion Township is situated on the western boundary line of 
Berks County and adjoins Lebanon County for a distance of seven 
miles. The township was erected out of the Tulpehocken section 
in 1843, and named after the distinguished general, Francis Marion. 

First Settlers. The first settlers in this section were Germans 
from the Palatinate. Most of them had originally landed at New 
York in 1712, but being imposed upon and deceived the}- migrated 
by way of the Susquehanna River and the Swatara Creek and set- 
tled on the Tulpehocken, close to Stouchsburg. It was in this 
township in a house still well preserved, now occupied and owned 
by Dr. Isaac W. Newcomet, that Conrad Weiser, Peter Speyker 
and other noted councillors held their conclaves to devise way 
and means to pacify the Indians who were endangering the lives 
of the settlers in the northern part of the county. 

Among these early Palatines were the Reeds, who settled on 
the Tulpehocken as early as 1723. The land on which the first of 
them lived was a tract of one hundred and forty acres, and it has 
been in the Reed family for many years. On the farm is an old 
house partly built in 1741), and remodeled in 1804. It is of logs, 
weatherboard, and has many timbers to support the upper floors,. 
The house contains an old clock which has always been a part of 
the furniture. It is supposed to have been running since 1704. 

One of the first churches in Pennsylvania and possibly the first 
Lutheran Church in the state, was erected in 1727, near the con- 
fluence of the Tulpehocken and Millbach Creeks. The first build- 
ing was of logs, roughly hewn and had no floor. This church 
has been rebuilt three times, and now a modern brownstone build- 
ing bearing the original name, Reed's Church, has been erected in 
the town of Stouchsburg. The cemetery is on the original site. 
Beautiful springs and flowing water of two streams and the heavily 
wooded forests of this section were an incentive to attract both the 
Indians and the whites. 

An old report states that a traveler in the province in 1732 
paid a miller at Tulpehocken one pound and five shillings for ten 



THE TOWNSHIPS 187 

bushels of meal, delivered to Sassoonan, an Indian chief, who was 
in want of provisions. So a mill must have existed there at that 
early date. 

A grist mill was at one time located where the turnpike crosses 
the stream below the junction of the Millbach and the Tulpehocken, 
but when the Union Canal was built it was removed. Nearly op- 
posite to this old site was an old carding mill which was still used in 
1885. A short distance farther up the Millbach, was operated, in 
1776, an oil and flax-carding mill. The first Sunday school of 
the neighborhood was organized in this mill about 1834. On 
the Tulpehocken, south of Stouchsburg, a clover mill was built 
by Peter Sheets. In this locality also was operated a dynamite 
factory by Henry W. Stump. The entire plant was carried away by 
two terrific explosions on the afternoon of November 7. 1884. Much 
damage was done and the factory was never rebuilt. 

The streams furnish excellent water-power for flour and 
saw mills. A shirt factory and tobacco factory, and a wheelwricdit 
and blacksmith shop are among the industries. The surface con- 
sists of slightly rolling limestone soil, having no waste land. It is 
occupied by thrifty and energetic farmers, and has often been called, 
"The Garden Spot of Berks." 

Charming Forge was established in what is now Marion in 
1740. A part of the forge site including the water-power was pur- 
chased by the borough of Womelsdorf in 1006 to manufacture elec- 
tricity for lighting the dwellings and streets. 

Church used as a Fort. A Lutheran Church is one mile east from 
Stouchsburg, and one and one-fourth miles north of the turnpike 
It is one of the largest congregations in the county. The land on 
which the church was built was donated and much of the labor 
was furnished by the people living in the vicinity. Since the early 
settlers were constantly in danger of Indian attacks, the building 
was so arranged that it could be used as a fort in case of attack. 
A vault was made in the earthen floor where the ammunition was 
stored. 

During its early historv there was no pastor, but in 1733 Casper 
Leutbecker, a tailor by trade, taught school and served the con- 



188 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

gregation as a substitute preacher. This led to trouble which Count 
Zinzendorf tried to settle. These troubles continued until the 
Moravians finally withdrew and a part of the congregation built 
a new church about one mile west of Stouchsburg. 

A Reformed congregation was organized in this township about 
1745. Its first building was made of logs, on the south corner of 
the old cemetery near the present parsonage. Another church was 
built in 1772 and a third one in 1853. The Rev. Michael Schlatter 
was one of the first preachers. It was he who went to Europe to 
secure preachers, teachers and funds to carry on the work of the 
church and the school in the cojonies. It was the Parochial School 
of the Reformed Church at this place that received aid from the 
charity funds which Schlatter received in Europe. 

The Tulpehocken Academy was founded in 1831, and the 
Stouchsburg Academy in 1838. 

Stouchsburg, the only town in the district, contains about four 
hundred inhabitants. The town was named after a man named 
Stouch, who was the first inhabitant. 

MAXATAWNY. 

Maxatawny is an Indian word which means Bear's Path Creek. 
The first settlement was made in 1732 and just ten years later, in 
1742, the district was organized into a township. 

The Indians remained in this township a long time after they 
had gone from the others. It is said that many of them are buried 
here. The frequent cultivation of the ground has eliminated all 
traces of them, but many of their relics were found during tiie early 
days. 

A Revolutionary Encampment. After the Battle of Brandywine 
in 1777, a regiment of the American army encamped on the farms 
now owned by the Hottensteins, and upon leaving they took all cf 
the horses and wagons on which they could lay their hands. Quite 
a number of the inhabitants of the township took part in the Revolu- 
tionary War, and were taken prisoners. 

In this township is the famous Centennial White Oak of Penn- 
sylvania. On the 15th of September, the baggage train of General 



THE TOWNCHIPS 



189 




CENTENNIAL WHITE OAK. 

Washington found shelter under and around this famous tree. One 
foot above the ground the tree measures twenty-eight feet in circum- 
ference and ten feet above this its branches stretch forth, seme of 
which are three feet in diameter. 

Paper mills were operated on the Sacony near Kutztown for 
a long while. On Mill Creek was the first mill in the township, and 
with it was also conducted a tannery. 

Furnaces. The East Perm Furnace w-as built in 1871. The 
propertv has changed hands a number of times. At Bowers a small 
furnace was built in 1883. The property was so badly damaged 
by a storm that it was never repaired. 

The iron ore in the township is of a good quality. Much of the 
ore Which went to the Sally Ann and Mary Ann Furnaces many years 
ago. was mined in this township. Twenty-five year:, ago iron ore was 
mined in Longswamp. Maxatawny and Richmond Townships. These 
mines at one time yielded very large quantities of ore. Nearly all 
of them have now been shut down. 

The old Fair Ground which had been established on the south- 
west side of Kutztown by the Agricultural Society has been abandon- 
ed. In 1905 a new place was selected and made suitable for Fair 
purposes. 



190 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

The Keystone State Normal School was established in Max- 
altawny near Kutztown in 1866. It has since grown to be one of the 
leading Normal Schools in the state. 

The borough of Kutztown lies in the township. 

Lyons is a prosperous village on the Easj: Penn Railroad. The 
post office, Lyon Station, was established in 1860. 

Bowers is located on the East Penn Railroad, one mile east of 
Lyons. 

Monterey is a village on the Easton Road. 

Maxatawny (Rothrocksville) is near the Lehigh County Line. 
It was named after Dr. Jonas Rothrocks. 

Schofer lies one mile east of Monterey. 

Old Barn. Near Eagle Point is Levan's Mill. The barn recently 
razed was used by Count Zinzendorf as a church. Zinzendorf was 
a pious German nobleman and the leader among the Moravians. 

MUHLENBERG. 

Muhlenberg Township is situated along the east bank of the 
Schuylkill, immediately north of Reading. It was not erected as 
a separate township until 1851, when it was formed out of the 
western part of Alsace Township. It was named after Rev. Henry 
A. Muhlenberg, a noted Lutheran minister of this county. The 
first settlers were Germans, who crossed the Irish Mountain from 
Oley by way of Laurel Run Valley about 1737. About the same 
time a number of Germans also pushed their way up the Schuylkill 
Valley from Philadelphia and entered the township along the 
Schuylkill above Reading. A number of old stone houses erected 
before the Revolution are still in existence in the township. 

According to tradition there was an Indian village along the 
Laurel Run Creek at the foot of the Irish Mountain, at or near the 
spot where the Temple Furnace now stands. This seems to be 
borne out by the fact that many Indian relics were found by the 
early settlers in that particular section. 

Industries. The earliest settlers engaged mostly in farming, 
but at a very early date the Mt. Laurel Furnace was erected by the 
Clymers at the extreme eastern end of the township. The fine 
quality of the limestone used in the erection of the first houses also 



THE TOWNSHIPS 191 

indicate? that the limestone quarries, for which the township is 
noted, were operated at a very early date. 

With the growth of Reading, fruit, dairy and truck farming 
became a leading industry. 

Other prominent industries are the Muhlenberg Brewery, 
Eisenbrown's Granite and Marble Cutting Establishment, 
the' Reading Quarry Company, the Temple Malleable Steel Com- 
pany for malleable steel products ; the Temple Sand Company pro- 
ducing and shipping about one hundred tons of sand per da}' ; the 
Mt. Laurel Water Company, engaged in the manufacture of soft 
drinks, and the filtering, bottling and marketing of large quantities 
of water from the famous Mt. Laurel Spring; a cigar factory, stock- 
ing factories, the Prospect Dye W^orks at Hyde Park, and the 
Laurel Dale Brick Yard at Laurel Dale. 

Several grist mills were erected at an early date along the Laurel 
Run and the Schuylkill. Within the last ten years a number of subur- 
ban towns have sprung up in the township, all of which are growing 
rapidly. 

The Temple Furnace was established in 1804. In 1873 the com- 
pany secured a special charter. In 1900 its charter was changed so 
as to enable the corporation to operate coal mines. It produces 
40,(100 tons of pig iron annually. 

Towns. Temple, a town with a population of about one thou- 
sand, is situated three miles north of Reading. It is noted for iron, 
sand, limestone and stocking industries. 

Tuckerton is a village of about three hundred people, and is sit- 
uated along the Centre Turnpike. It has several business places. 
Hinnershitz Church is located here. 

Hyde Park is a suburb immediately to the north of Reading, with 
a population of about twelve hundred. It contains the two newly- 
erected Alsace Churches, ranking among the finest and most modern 
in the county. It has varied industries and a number of prominent 
business places. 

Rosedale is a new suburb along the East Penn Railroad. 

Spring Valley is a small village to the east of the East Penn 
Railroad and is one-half a mile north of Reading:. 



192 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Frush Valley is a village along the East Perm Railroad, about 
two miles north of Reading. 

Mt. Laurel, a small village at the northeastern end of the town- 
ship, is one mile east of Temple and has been noted for many years 
as the home of the Mt. Laurel Furnace. 

Xorthmont is a new suburb north of Reading, part of it being 
within the city limits. 

Muhlenberg is a village along the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Val- 
ley and the Schuylkill & Lehigh Railroads and is situated one mile 
north of the city. 

Fairview Brewery and Muhlenberg Brewery are also in this 
township. 

St. Michael's Seminary was founded in 1894 for the education 
of young ladies. It is now a sanatarium. The premises include fifty 
acres of ground and a superior building. The Fair Grounds were es- 
tablished in the township in 1888. They cover an area of twenty-four 
acres and cost forty thousand dollars. 

OLEY. 

The territory comprised in Oley Township is one of the most 
fertile sections of the State. The name is derived from Olink, which 
in the Indian language means a kettle. The township was erected 
in 1740. Originally it was much larger than it is at present. Earl, 
Exeter, Pike and Rockland were organized from territory belonging 
to Oley. 

Early History. The first land sold was a. tract of five hundred 
acres which William Perm conveyed to John Stashold, of England, 
in 1682. This tract was bought by John Hoch in 172S and part of 
it is still in the possession of his descendants. The first settler was 
John Keim. In 1008 he bought a tract of land on the head waters 
of the Manatawny and in 1700 settled there. In 1712 Isaac DeTurk 
settled on a tract of three hundred acres near what is now Friedens- 
burg. The land is still in the possession of his descendants. 

Abraham Levan came in 1715, Jonathan Herbein before 1720. 
Jean Bertolet in 1720, John Hoch and John Voder in 1728, and 
David Kauffman before 17:12. Some of these settlers were Huguenots 
and had fled from France on account of religious persecution. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



193 




OLEY MORAVIAN CHURCH. 

The inhabitants of Oley were interested in education at an early 
date. The Moravians came into the township soon after 1740. They 
organized a congregation and also established a school which was 
attended by a considerable number of students, some of whom came 
from distant places. The church is still standing and is now used 
as a dwelling. 

The Oley Reformed congregation, which was organized in 1736, 
also established a school, which was maintained until free schools 
were established in 1849. The Oley Academy was established at 
Friedensburg in 1857 and was successfully maintained until 1905, 
when it was changed into a township high school. 

Oley was the home of some of the most prominent men who 
took part in the Revolutionary War. John Les'her was a member 
of the Assembly and of the Constitutional Convention. He was a 
member of the committee which drew up the ''Declaration of Rights." 
He was also appointed by the government as commissioner to pur- 
chase supplies for the Continental Arm}-. General Daniel Udree 
was a colonel during the Revolution and a Major-General in the 



194 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

War of 1812. He was twice a member of Congress and for six 
years a member of the Assembly. Daniel Hunter was a colonel in 
the Continental Army. He commanded a regiment at Trenton and 
at Brandywine. Daniel DeTurk commanded a company in the Con- 
tinental Army. 

Before the white people came Oley was inhabited by the Indians. 
Several of their villages were located in the Oley valley. The Indians 
of Oley belonged to the Wolf Tribe. It is said that in the middle of 
the seventeenth century, before Oley was settled, a battle was fought 
between the Indians and a company of prospectors where the Oley 
churches now stand. 

Industries. The principal streams are the Manatawny, the 
Monocacy, Beaver Creek, Furnace Creek and the Little Mana- 
tawny. They furnish abundant water-power and some industries 
sprang up along their courses. Along the Manatawny, at what 
is now Spangsville, the Oley Forge was started in 1740. A furnace 
was erected at a later period. 

The first furnace was erected by Diedrich Welker on land granted 
to him in 1744. This was called the Shearwell Furnace. The Oley 
Furnace, located along Furnace Creek, was built in 1772. Both were 
operated as late as 1783. In 1801 Daniel Udree became the owner. 
He made a success of the business and became wealthy. At his 
death in 1828 he was the heaviest taxpayer in Berks County. 

Grist mills and saw mills were erected at various places, most 
of which are still operated. Several paper mills, woolen factories 
and oil mills were also erected. 

The first National Bank of Oley was chartered in 1007. It is 
located in Friedensburg. 

The Reading and Boyertown trolley line passes through the 
township. 

Towns. Oley (Friedensburg) is the principal village. Its 
population is about five hundred. It contains two churches, a bank, 
the township high school, three schools of lower grade, a knitting 
mill and a number of business places. 

Other villages a*re Manatawnv (Pleasantville), Griesemersville 
and Spangsville. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 195 

ONTELAUNEE. 

This township was formed by dividing Maidencreek in 1849. 
Moses Starr in 1721 bought five hundred fifty acres along the Maiden- 
creek and soon after erected a mansion on the tract. After the 
Indians released this section in 1732, so many Quakers came up along 
the Schuylkill and occupied the land that in twenty years most of 
the land in this township was owned by them. Balthaser Schalter, 
a native of Germany, settled on a tract at Schuylkill Bend. Schalter's 
Church in Alsace Township was named after one of his sons. From 
the many Indian relics found, it is evident that there was a large 
body of Indians in this district. These relics have been found mostly 
along the Maidencreek, and there are some varieties that have been 
found nowhere else in the county. 

Industries. The chief occupation of the people is farming. 
Grain mills, fulling mills and paper mills have all existed, but the 
grain mills only remain. 

The Leesport Furnace was started in 1852. In 1899 the Lees- 
port Furnace Company bought the plant. 

A pumping station to increase the water supply of Reading 
was established at the mouth of the Maidencreek in 1899. Its capac- 
ity is thirty million gallons of water a day. A filtration plant has 
also been erected near the pumping station. 

The Glen-Gery Country Home was established in 1904, on the old- 
Wily Mill property. 

Towns. The principal town is Leesport. It has quite a num- 
ber of business places. The township high school is located a 
short distance from the town. 

East Berkeley lies near the mouth of the Maidencreek. It has 
a tannery, a grist mill and a few other industries. 

Ontelaunee Station, near Schuylkill Bend, and Gernants in the 
northern section of the township, are other villages. 

PENN. 

Penn was formed into a township in 1841, by reducing both Bern 
and Upper Bern. It was so named after Father Penn, the founder 
of Pennsylvania. John Conrad, a member of the Moravian Church, 
was one of the early settlers who came into this section chiefly from 
the Tulpehocken settlement on the west. Many German settlers also 
followed the Tulpehocken from the south. 



196 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

Industries. Along the Tulpehocken and the Northkill, there 
were erected at an early date grist mills, saw mills and various other 
mills. Near Bern Church, in the southern section, there was at one 
time a gun barrel factory. Most of the people are engaged in farming. 
Near Bernville there existed for many years one of the best foundries 
in that section of the county. At Pleasant Valley are the Gruber 
Wagon Works, where some of the best farm wagons in the country 
are built. During the life of the Union Canal, South Bernville was 
a great business place, where grain, lumber and coal was handled. 

On Plum Creek a grist mill was operated for many years. The 
mill-dam covered quite an area. 

The borough of Bernville lies in this township. 

Obold (Mt. Pleasant) is quite a business place, having different 
industries. 

Pleasant Valley is about one mile southeast of Obold. 

Scull Hill lies in the northern part of the township. It is gen- 
erally called Penn Valley, and is the business centre in that section. 

PERRY. 

Some men who lived in Windsor Township served in the war 
of 1812. When this township was organized they had influence 
enough to have the name of the hero of Pake Erie selected as the 
name of the township. So it is called Perry. Captain John May 
and thirty-five men of his company came from this township. An 
act passed in 1821 provided that the township of Perry should be a 
separate election district, and it was not until 1852 that the town- 
ship was actually established. The first log building of Zion's 
Church was built in 1761. 

The industries are chiefly farming. Near Virginville is a 
stone quarry from which flagstones of fine quality and large size 
are taken. 

On Plum Creek, about a mile east of Shoemakersville, is a 
mill site on which a mill has been operated for many years. A 
new building has been erected which is equipped with modern ma- 
chinery. Upon its banks is also a tannery, a part of which build- 
ing was erected in 1810. Near Shoemakersville is also a pottery. 
The Shoemakersville Clay Works for the manufacture of glazed 
sewer pipes was established in 1807. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



197 



The Shoemakersville Mill was built about 1840. It is operated by 
Plum Creek and the Schuylkill. It is supplied with modern ma- 
chinery. 

The Clay Works were purchased in 1908 by the Glen-Gery 
Brick and Cement Company for the manufacture of vitrified brick 
for building and paving- purposes. 

The Inlaid Tile Company was organized in Reading, but in 
1908 was transferred to Shoemakersville. Its machinery was im- 
oorted, and it is the only plant of its kind in the United States. 

An Old Mansion. Shoemakersville is the largest village in the 
township. It is on the Schuylkill at the mouth of Plum Creek. It 




SHOKMAKKR HOME. 

was named after Henry Shoemaker. The stone mansion which he 
built in 17S<; is still in use. The Pennsylvania Railroad built a 
neat depot in 1885. The Philadelphia & Reading Station was only 
built after the Toll bridge across the Schuylkill had been built by 
the Windsor Haven Bridge Company. Most of the progress of the 
town has been made since then. It is quite a manufacturing town. 
Mohrsville lies on both sides of the Schuylkill. The Reading 
Station was placed there in 1841, and the Pennsylvania in 1885. It 
was named after the Mohr family, who earlv engaged in trade. 



198 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



Five Locks Station is about three miles north of Shoemakers- 



ville. 



PIKE. 



Pike Township was taken from Oley in 1812. It was so named 
becanse in its streams in colonial days this variety of fish was very 
plentiful. A part of Rockland Township was added to Pike in 1842. 
Die Berg Maria (Anna Maria Young), a truly pious woman, for 
many years lived alone on the farm in the home of her ancestors 
on the top of one of the Oley Mountains. Her cottage was as good 
a model of neatness and order as her life was of Christian living. 
She died in 1819, aged seventy years. The Moravians or Hern- 
huters, to whom she belonged, came from Hernhut, a place in Ger- 
many. They were the first to teach Christianity to the Indians. 
From their mission in Oley they set out to preach to the savages 
in different sections of the county and state. It was the friendly 
relation between the Moravians and the Indians that saved Pike 
and the neighboring districts from bloodshed. Count Zinzendorf was 
one of the two bishops. 

The leading industry is farming. In the early days lumbering 
was important. When John Keim took up land and settled near 
Lobachsville, about 1718, some of the heaviest timber in the county 
could be seen there. Only recently large walnut trees were cut down 
and exported. The township is well supplied with saw mills and 
grist mills. 

Pikeville is located in the most fertile part of the township. 

Lobachsville is the oldest village. 
It was named after Peter Lobach, 
who owned the land as early as 
1745. 

Hill Church, in the southeastern 
section, is so named from the 
church. 

These towns have quite a few 
business places. 

Pikeville, like other places in the 
the old-time mail carrier. county, had a post office for many 

years, but the mail is now served bv rural delivery. 




THE TOWNSHIPS 199 

RICHMOND. 

The land of which this territory is composed was settled in 1732 
and the township was erected twenty years later. It was so named 
after a place in England. The Indians called it Mnssealv (Moselem). 
Along the Maidencreek which forms its northwestern boundary, in 
the vicinity of Virginville, there was one of the densest Indian settle- 
ments in the county. Here the Sacony empties into the Maidencreek, 
which, the Indians called Sacunk (outlet of a stream). The relics 
are found over a large area and are more varied than usual.- loel 
Dreibelbis. an old resident, has a fine collection, most of which he 
found on his farm. It is said that the section known as "the Hat" 
had very little heavy timber and that the early settlers could see their 
cattle for quite a distance, when looking from a hill. The old 
Moselem Church was one of the first buildings erected in the countv. 

Valuable Ore Mines. The Moselem ore mines have been work- 
ed for many years and furnished most of the ore for the Moselem 
Furnace which was operated near the mouth of Moselem Creek. 
This furnace was the leading industry in that section up to about 
thirty years ago when it was abandoned. 

There are a few other iron ore mines in the township. About 
thirty years ago, Richmond, Maxatawny and Longswamp had over 
one hundred mines, but of these only a few are now in operation. 

The Maidencreek. Sacony and Moselem furnish, good water- 
power and there are a number of mills along their banks. The town- 
ship contains some of the finest farms in the county. 

Moselem Creek has its source in a big spring, about two miles 
east of Moselem Springs. Here a large volume of water gushes out 
of the earth in remarkable clearness. When discovered, the stream 
was filled with trotit. On this account, the Indians gave it the name 
Moselem (trout stream). 

Towns. Fleetwood Borough lies in this township. 

Virginville is the largest town. It has a number of business 
places. 

Moselem Springs is the business center. 

Kirbvville lies about one mile west of Moselem Springs. 



20!) 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 







OCTAGONAL CHURCH, MOSELEM. 

Moselem ha? a few business places/ The remains of M'oselem 
Furnace and the old, unoccupied houses in the vicinity, are silent 
reminders of a more prosperous day. 

Walmittown is a small business place one mile west of Fleet- 
wood. 

Crystal Cave is located in this township. 

Mefkel's Mill and Lesher are other villages. 

ROBESON. 

Robeson was a part of Chester before the erection of Berks. It 
was settled in 172(1, and erected intto a township in 1729. In those 
days Andrew Robeson owned about twenty-three hundred acres of 
land. He was a man of wealth and social position and the township 
was named after him. The iron industry was begun early ; Bird's 
Forge was established in 174(1; Gibraltar Forge in 1770; and Joanna 
Furnace in 1700. 

In 1845 a petition was presented for the division of the township, 
but the matter was left to a vote of the people, who decided very 
strongly against it. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



201 



The Joanna Charcoal Furnace was erected in 1790. In 1877 
this plant had a capacity of one hundred tons of iron a month, and 
employed fifty men. The Gibraltar Iron Works were opened in 177(1. 
The Seyfert family secured possession of it in 1835. Carding mills, 
scythe factories and sickle factories have all flourished in this town- 
ship in their time, but all of them have disappeared. 

Saw mills and grist mills are still in operation. One mile south 
of Birdsboro are the Trap Rock Quarries. They ship crushed 
material to all parts of the country. 

Much of the area is woodland, and quite a few people are en- 
gaged in lumbering, but most of the people are farmers. The burn- 
ing of charcoal is still carried on in this section. 

Towns. The borough of Birdsboro at the mouth of Hay Creek, 
is located in this township. 

Gibraltar lies at the mouth of Allegheny Creek and has a few- 
business places. 

Beckersville and Plowville are situated about two miles apart on 
the Mdrgantown road. Plowville was so called because the tavern 
had a plow painted on its sign. 




— WHITE BEAR INN. 

Scarlets Mill ("White Bear) is on the Wilmington & Northern 
Railroad. It was so called on account of the sign at the tavern. 



202 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



This tavern is probably the oldest building in the county having a 
liquor license. 

Trap Rock, Cold Run and Joanna Heights are other railroad 
stations on the Wilmington & Northern Railroad. 

Joanna Furnace lies in the southern section of the township. 

Seyfert, Robeson and Clingan are stations on the Pennsylvania 
Railroad. 

ROCKLAND. 

Rockland Township was organized in 1758. Prior to that it was 
a part of Oley. It took its name from the numerous rocks it contains. 
Boulders thirty feet long, fifteen feet wide and fifteen feet high may 
be seen. Certain collections of rocks are known as Shott's Head 
and Guinther's Head. Near the latter there is a succession of rocks 
one hundred twenty feet long. This is the watershed of the town- 
ship and from this point the water is drained south, east and west. 

The early settlers were Germans, who migrated northward from 
Olev. In 1842. a part of this township was taken and annexed to Pike. 




GROSSCUP HOME, RESIDENCE OF AN EARLY BERKS JUDGE. 

Water-power. Saconv and P>eaver Creeks have for many years 
turned mills of various kinds. Grim's mill on the Saconv has been 
remodeled recently and now does the grinding by an up-to-date 
process. Ro'hrbach's mill was destroyed by fire some time ago, and 
has not been rebuilt. Roth's mill is near Dryville and Keller's in 
the western part of the township. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



2U3 



On the Sacony was also located the "Sally Ann" charcoal 
furnace. It was built in 1811, and was operated until 1S79. The 
Rockland Forges were operated for more than seventy years. 
General Daniel Udree operated one with Hessians and Redemp- 
tioners. 

On Beaver Creek was manufactured paper and birch oil. A kind 
of clay has been found from which chinaware is made. A pottery 
was also operated in the vicinity. A granite, very much like Vermont 
granite, is found near New Jerusalem. There is a marble saw mill 
on the Sacony near Grim's mill, where large blocks of marble are 
sawed into desirable sizes. It has been in operation since 1864. None 
of the early mines are now in operation. 

Towns. Dryville was so named as a post office. It had pre- 
viously been called Stony Point. The village contains a store, a 
hotel, a creamery and a number of residences. 

Xew Jerusalem, located near the center of the township, contains 
a store, a creamery, a wheelwright and a blacksmith shop and a 
church. Rural delivery teams serve the mail from Oley, Fleetwood 
and Mertztown. 

RUSCOMBMANOR. 

This township was erected in 1 To!), and named from a district 
in Wales, Ruscomb, The Penns requested 10, 11(10 acres to be set 
apart in this locality for their use, and the tract was called "Manor 




CIDER PRESS. 



204 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

of Ruscomb." It is probable that the early settlers were attracted 
chiefly by the springs of excellent water. They located here about 
1730. 

Two grist mills and a clover mill at one time were in operation 
in the township, but only one grist mill is now in use. The glue 
factory and tanneries which once existed in the vicinity of Pricetown, 
as well as the foundry and forge, have all been discontinued. The 
district also contains five or six iron mines which at one time em- 
ployed quite a number of hands. 

The only town is Pricetown. It was named after the Prices, 
who were early connected with its history. In 1802, Martin Price 
became the owner of twelve acres of ground, which was part of a 
much larger tract owned by the Prices, and laid it out in lots. 
Pricetown soon grew and became quite a stopping place for trav- 
elers. It now has three churches, two hotels and one store. 

The post offices at Pricetown and Basket were discontinued, 
when Rural Free Delivery was introduced. The Dunkard meeting 
house, built in 1807, is one of the oldest buildings in the township. 
It was the fourth congregation of this denomination organized in 
the county. Services are still conducted in this building. 

SPRING. 

In 185(1 Cumru was the largest and most populous township 
in the county. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to divide it, 
but a third attempt in 1850 was successful and Spring was organized 
as a separate township. It received its name from a large spring 
near the central portion. On account of the limestone fissures the 
spring frequently disappeared, and was therefore known as Sink- 
ing Spring. 

Whites Murder Indians. In 1728 Tocacolie, an Indian, and two 
Indian women, were cruelly murdered by Walter and John Winter, 
near Cacoosing. At this time there were only three counties: 
Philadelphia, Chester and Berks, and all of Berks west of the 
Schuylkill, belonged to Chester County. Morgan Herbert and John 
Roberts were found to be implicated in the murder. The Winters 
and Herbert were captured and tried in the Chester County Court. 
The Winters suffered the extreme penalty of the law, but Herbert 



THE TOWN8HIP8 205 

was acquitted. The Governor was anxious to punish the criminals 
and insure peace with the natives. He moved a delegation of In- 
dians to Philadelphia, where they received many presents, and thus 
the Cacoosing tragedy ended. 

Farming is the leading occupation. 

Fritztown had a paper mill as early as 1770. A distillerv and a 
saw mill were later built near it. A tannery was established in 
Sinking Spring in 1840. Grist mills, paper mills and oil mills have 
all been operated on the banks of the streams of this township. 

The Belt Line for relieving the traffic on the Reading road ex- 
tends through the township. 

The Montello Brick Works are situated a mile south of Sink- 
ing Spring. In 1889 a second plant was established at Wyomissing, 
which has grown very much since that time. 

The Hillside Stock Farm for breeding fast horses contains 
about one hundred and sixty acres, and is situated about two miles 
south of Sinking Spring. 

A mile west of Gouglersville is the Spring Valley Stock Farm. 
It contains about two hundred acres, and was set apart for stock 
purposes in 1002. 

Towns. The largest town is Sinking Spring, now a borough. 

"Weitzelville is two miles from Sinking Spring. 

Fritztown is one mile southwest of Weitzelville. The store 
house was built as early as 1840. 

Yinemont is a station on the Lancaster & Columbia Railroad. 
It was so named because of the vineyards and fruit trees that 
nourish here. 

Springmont was founded in 1005, and West Lawn in 1007. 

The boroughs of West Reading and Wyomissing also lie in this 
township. 

TILDEN. 

This township was taken from L/pper Bern in L887 and organ- 
ized as a separate district. It was named after the unsuccessful 
candidate for the presidency in 187G. It lies just south of the Bine 
Mountains, and its northern boundary is only a short distance from 
the site where Fort Lebanon or Fort William stood. This fort was 
erected in 1754. It was one hundred feet square, had stockades 



206 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

fourteen feet high, a spring- within, and also a house thirty by twenty 
with a large store-room. It was built in three weeks and protected 
over a hundred families in that vicinity. 

During the French and Indian War small detachments of sol- 
diers scoured the woods between Forts Henry. Northkill and Leb- 
anon almost daily. On the 2?>rd of July. 1754, the commander of 
Fort Northkill marched along the mountain through Upper Hern 
and Tilden to Fort Lebanon where he remained during the night. 
Upon his return the next day. he learned that a boy fourteen years 
old was carried away by the Indians. The report later came to him 
that during the night the boy had made his escape while the Indians 
were drunk. They had tied him and made him lie between them. 

The Hamburg Vitrified Brick Company was established in this 
township in 1891. The Mack Brothers, of Philadelphia, purchased it 
in 1806. Nine kilns are operated and ten million bricks are manu- 
factured annually. 

Most of the people are engaged in farming. Grist mills have 
been in operation in this district for many years. 

Berks (West Hamburg), Bern Station and Upper Bern are the 
towns. Each has a number of business places. 

TULPEHOCKEN. 

The name of this township was taken from the stream by that 
name. The term is of Indian origin and means "'Land of Turtles." 
It was organized as a district in 172!), when it was a part of what 
was then Chester County. A French trader was captured on the 
banks of the Susquehanna in 1707 and taken to Philadelphia by way 
of Tulpehocken. The trader had his feet tied together below the 
horse's belly. This is the first mention of the word Tulpehocken the 
records contain. 

The first settlement was made in 172.% before the Indians had 
actually released the land. This led to trouble which was settled by 
a special treaty in Philadelphia in 1728. These early pioneers were 
the German settlers, who had come from the Palatinate, and had 
lived on the Hudson since 1712. In 1720 Conrad Weiser and his 
family joined the Palatines at Tulpehocken. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 207 

The township was reduced in size by the formation of Upper 
Tulpehocken in 1820, Marion in 1823 and Jefferson in 1851. 

Industries. Tulpehocken was looked upon as a promised land 
by the early settlers. It was one of the most noted sections in the 
country, and after the Indians released the land in 1732 the people, 
who were mostly engaged in farming, prospered. Tulpehocken was 
not only a place for consultation between the white settlers and the 
Indians, but it was the most important business centre in this sec- 
tion of the state. Many of the Indians were already using the tools 
and implements used by the settlers, and came many miles to Tulpe- 
hocken, where the nearest blacksmith resided. 

Rehrersburg is the largest town. It was laid out about 1803. 
Lots were disposed of by lottery and for a long time were subject 
to ground rent. The post office was established in 1818. 

Mt. Etna was so called when the post office was established in 
1S10. It is located on high ground in the southwestern section of the 
township. 

Host lies in the southeastern section and Wintersville in the 
southwestern part. 

UPPER TULPEHOCKEN. 

The name was derived from an Indian word which means turtle. 
A petition for the division of Tulpehocken was presented to the 
court in 1820. The name of Perry was suggested. This name was 
not satisfactory to a large number of the people. Several more 
petitions, suggesting other names, were presented to the court. 
The Court confirmed the proceedings and named the new township 
Upper Tulpehocken. This ended the controversy. Its location 
determined the name. 

Forts. About two miles east of Strausstown on the Northkill 
was built Fort Northkill in 1754. It stood in a very thick wood on 
a small rising ground. It was thirty-two feet square, built of lo^s 
placed upright in the ground, and within was a log house. 

Along the road leading from Strausstown to Pottsville, on top 
of the Blue Mountains, and about two miles north of Fort North- 
kill stood Fort Deitrich Snyder. It served more as a watch house 



208 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

than a fort, for from it could be detected the presence of Indians for 
a radius of many miles. 

Farming always has been the leading- industry. Various kinds 
of mills have flourished for many years. The mills and forges of 
Joseph Seyfert were on the Northkill. There are some mills now 
in operation that have the latest improved machinery. 

The only town in the township is Strausstown, about nine miles 
west from Hamburg. The post office was established in 1847. It 
is quite a busy town, having different business and manufacturing 
places. 

UNION. 

Two portions of land were joined in forming this township 
and so the name Union was selected. One portion was taken from 
Chester County and another from Lancaster when the county was 
organized in 1752. The first tract of land was taken up in '1684 by 
Hans Monson, but it was soon transferred to Peter Yocum. The 
first settlement was made in 1705. 

The chief business of the township is farming. The water-power 
of the streams has been used for many years to turn fulling mills, 
oil mills and feed mills. Distilleries were not lacking. The Hope- 
well and Monocacy furnaces were prominent in the very early colo- 
nial days. The Hopewell furnace was built in 1765. It was in the 
hands of the Buckley family for more than eighty years. 

Unionville (Brower) is the oldest village in the township. The 
post office was established in 1828. Candlesticks, lamps and coffee 
mills were at one time manufactured here. About 1830 the place 
also contained a foundry. 

Mount Airy is near Birdsboro and has not grown extensively. 

Monocacy lies between Mount Airy and Unionville. 

Geigertown is a station on the Wilmington & Northern Rail- 
road. 

Geiger's Mills is about one mile distant from Geigertown. 

WASHINGTON. 

This township was cut out of Colebrookdale and Hereford. It 
was named in honor of George Washington. In 1681 Penn 
granted a tract of more than one thousand acres to a Philadelphia 



THE TOWNSHIPS 20« 

merchant named P'owel. In 1724 much of this tract got into the 
possession of Jacob Stauffer, a shoemaker of Skippack. Some ot 
the land is still in the possession of his descendants. 

A number of Schwenkfelders settled in this district about 1837. 
These thrifty settlers felled the trees, sawed them into usable lumber 
and built houses; they made wagon wheels out of their oak trees; 
they plaited horse-collars out of straw; twisted traces out of hemp, 
and raised flax and wool which they spun into thread and wove into 
cloth for their own wearing- apparel. 

Some Mennonites settled in the vicinity of Bally, and a Jesuit 
missionary founded a church there as early as 1743. 

Early Industries. Dale Forge was operated successfully for 
many years. The West Branch of the Perkiomen in a distance of 
about three miles operated as many as twelve water wheels at one 
time. Two of them were forges and three were furnaces. Swamp 
Creek has propelled oil and clover mills. 

At Barto a valuable mine of iron ore was in successful operation 
for many years. Iron ore exists in various spots, but not in sufficient 
quantities to make mining a paying business. 

The Norway Furnace at Bechtelsville was operated by various 
parties for many years. The Weiss and Elsie forges were erected 
near Dale in the early part of the century. It was the iron which 
was found in the vicinity of Barto that led to the building of the 
Colebrookdale Railroad. Agricultural products are the chief wealth , 
of the district. 

Bechtelsville and Bally, situated in this township, are now bor- 
oughs. 

Eshbach, Barto, Churchville, Dale and Passmore are the other 
towns located in this district. 

WINDSOR. 

It was settled in 1740 and established into a township in 1752, 
It was so named after a place in England, whence some of the early 
settlers had come. 

There is a reputed Indian burying-ground a few hundred yanl> 
west of the Blue Rocks, about five miles east of Hamburg, at the 
base of the Blue Mountains. In 187!*, D. B. Brunner examined one 



210 THE STORY OF BERK8 COUNTY 

of these graves, and found nothing; so he decided there were no 
Indians buried there, but he could not determine what caused the 
mounds. 

The Windsor Furnace was built soon after the township was 
settled. It was located near the base of the Blue Mountains in the 
northeastern part of the township. A forge for the manufacture of 
bar-iron, a saw mill and a grist mill were early made a part of the 
furnace property. The Delaplane Furnace, near Windsor Castle, 
was operated for nearly a hundred years from the time of the Revolu- 
tion. The Keim Furnace was situated a short distance north of 
Hamburg. There are still several mills in the district. 

The borough of Hamburg lies in this township. 

Windsor Castle is three miles southeast of Hamburg. The 
post office was established in 1856. The creamery at this place was 
at one time one of the most important in the county. 



THE TOWNSHIPS 



211 





















93 


id 






a 

o 




















O* 


a 






*-> 


IMPORTANT STATIS- 






i 












o 

> 


5 


O" 
J. 

a 




3 


TICS OF THE TOWN- 






r? 


a 






« 




*3 


a> 


01 




> 


SHIPS. 1912. 


■a 

o> 


•a 

0) 

o 

0> 


to 

a 

m 

S-. 


3 
o 


CO 

c 
c 
a 


73 
0> 

a 

S- 


o 

03 

01 


03 

cd 


9 
Z 
to 
'5b 

03 


a 

u 
u 
0) 


3 

S-. 
o 
a 

r 


a. 
O 

a 
o 

01 

u 


>> 

S- 
01 

a 

o 

Si 




OQ 


H 


< 


fc 


Tj 


U 


S 


H 


tt 


^ 


J 


p- 


fc 



1. Albany 

2. Alsace 

3. Lower Alsace. 

4. Amity 

5. Bern 

6. Upper Bern. . 

7. Bethel 

8. Brecknock . . 

9. Caernarvon . 

10. Centre 

11. Colebrookdale 

12. Cumru 

1 3. District 

14. Douglass 

15. Earl 

16. Exeter 

17. Greenwich . . 

18. Heidelberg .. . 

19. N. Heidelberg 

20. L. Heidelberg 

21. Hereford .... 
2 2. Jefferson .... 

23. Longswamp . 

24. Maidencreek 

25. Marion 

26. Maxa tawny . 

27. Muhlenberg . 

28. Oley 

29. Ontelaunee .. 

30. Penn 

31. Perry 

32. Pike 

33. Richmond . .. 

34. Robeson .... 

35. Rockland . . . 

36. Ruscombmnr 

37. Spring 

38. Tilden 

39. Tulpehocken 

40. U. Tulpehckn 

41. Union 

42. Washington . 

43. Windsor . . . . 



1740I1752|39|1, 
1718|1745|11| 

|1888| 5 
1701 1719 18J1, 
1733|1738 20|1, 

|1789|18| 

1733 1739;38|1, 
1729(1741116 
1720|1729!l2| 

|1843|20|1, 
1720|174l| 8|1, 
1732 1737|23i4, 

il759|10| 
1720J1752J12 1, 

|1781|13| 
1718H741J26I2, 

il740|28|l, 
1732 1734114 1, 

1845113 

1842|28|4, 
1732ll753 , 15 1, 

I1851I16I 

1734 1761|22|2, 
1732|1746;i3il, 

1184311611, 

173211742^3011, 
I185lil6|3, 

1712|1740[22[2, 
18491 8 
1841119 
1821J18 
1812|13 

1732|1752|21 

1720[1729|32 
jl758| 16 

1749'1752|14 
1850121 
11887113 

1723!1729!23 
(1820|20 

1715'1752|2l|l 
|1839|13|1 

1740 1752|23| 



224112 
7621 6 
758| 5 
356 10 
682|l3 
801 6 
775|14 
8401 6i 2 
845] V 4 
280 9| 2 
394| 9| 1 
422|22| 5 
541 4 
123 
874 
745J16 
359|11 
891111 
626 5 
006 22 
066| 8 
7451 7 
271|16 
941 11 
007| 7 
914115 
200J15 
028 14 
2431 7 
010| 9 
,737112 
738| 6 
,678|14 
,459|19 
,100| 8 
,059| 9 
796(191 5 
,000| 7| 2 
,520|14 
,010| 8 
,280| 9 
,674| 8 
581 5 



84 
32 
18 
56 
68 
36 
85 
49 
35 
67l 
37 
70i 1 
36 
49 
58 
66 
110 
38 
46 
99 
52 
41 
93 

39 

84 

40|1 

65 

38 

58 

65 

49 

85 

79 

55 

42 

66 

47 

58 

43 

55 

(i.x 

48 



488 
321 
401 
507 
918 
298 
764 
327 
300 
427 
5201 
652(1 
207| 
383| 
382| 
885| 
4691 
6461 
201 
157 
384 
275 
744 
655 
427 
760 
,516! 
7031 
400J 
403| 
576| 
290 
623 
818| 
415| 
496| 
818| 
3481 
568 
390| 
5361 
552| 
2611 



319|22 
190 3 
255 30 
390 32 
445|23 
200J17 
477|30 
238114 
244(19 
327117 
400J19 
,054|33 
139 15 
276 14 
242| 4 
730|49|10 
375|24| 4 
478(251 4 
169(121 1 
940!48|10 
288|24| 3 
190| 8 
631|34 
516(32 
315114 
750 26 
992 63 
539141 
292118 
285|16 
432122 
191(13 
465(19 
631 31 
299113 
307 27 
872(44 
254' 9 
442126 
259|l3 
382|17 
433 31 
146| 5 



2 1 
9 3 
5 1 

3 1 

8 3 

9 2 

4 2 

5 1 
4 2 
3 1 
3 1 

6 1 



2|$ 

1 

1 

2| 

31 

1 

4 

2 

1 

1 

1 

5 

1 

2 

2 

3 

2 

1 

1 

3 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

3 

2 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 

1 

3 

2 

2 

1 

2 

2 

1 



599,667 
254,903 
448,440 
799,260 

1,091,185 
421,657 
878,505 
372,265 
420,428 
714,933 
638,466 

1,804,615 
198,965 
407,284 
232,582 

1,473,086 
649,704 

1,225,356 

1,971,723 
450,745 
542,766 
467,726 
867,403 

1,142,930 
887,766 

1,426,132 

1,697,500 

1,375,059 
665,472 
624,937 
821,710 
245,022 

1,056,205 
865,946 
394,480 
357,579 

1,804,040 
495,027 
893,006 
453,440 
495,869 
641,740 
399,768 



CHAPTER XII. 



BERKS BOROUGHS. 
BALLY. 

The borough of Bally is located in the eastern section of the 
county in Washington Township. It was incorporated in 1912. 

Within its borders is included the historic Catholic Church of 
the Most Blessed Sacrament, established by a Jesuit missionary in 
1743. It was the first Catholic church in the county. The Men- 
nonites have two churches in the borough. 

Connected with the Catholic church is a parochial school. The 
borough also has a two-roomed public school building. 

Among the industries of the town are a planing mill, hosiery 
mill, silk mill and pantaloon factory. 

The First National Bank of Bally furnishes a place of security 
for the money of the community. 

BECHTELSVILLE. 

In 1890 an area of about one hundred and ninety-four acres was 
taken from Washington Township and incorporated into a borough. 
It was named after the Bechtel family that was prominent in the 
locality when the county was organized. It is three miles from Boy- 
ertown on the Colebrookdale Railroad. The erection of a large iron 
furnace in 1875, added much to the growth of the town. The post 
office was established in 1852. The Patriotic Sons of America have 
a fine three-story cement-block building which contains their hall. 

Industries. The three-story stone grist mill is the largest in- 
dustrial establishment in the place. It is equipped with the modern 
roller process. A mill has been operated at this point for about seventy 
years. A chopping mill and planing mill is operated in the southern 
end of the town. A creamery is located near the latter mill. 

The town contains a cabinet-making shop, carriage factory, 
bakery, marble yard and cigar factory. The knitting mill is large 
and furnishes employment for about fifty people. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 



213 



The large blast furnace, which was operated for a number of 
years has been abandoned. The cinder is now being used in cement 
work. A large crusher is in operation and the slag shipped from it 
is a valuable product. 

BERNVILLE. 

Thomas Umbenhouer's father lived in Bern, Switzerland. 
When he laid out this borough in 1819, he named it Bern after his 
father's native town. The Union Canal was built along the Tulpe- 
hocken Creek in 1828 and passed near the borough. This helped 
the growth of the town. For a long time it was an important ship- 
ping point. When the Lebanon Valley Railroad was built the traffic 
of the Canal declined and it was later abandoned entirely. This was 
injurious to the town. The nearest station is Robesonia, seven miles 
to the south. A branch of the South Mountain Railroad was pro- 
jected from Reading to Strausstown through Bernville. The people 
of the locality subscribed liberally, but the road was never built. 
The projected road-way is still visible but the money subscribed was 
a total loss. 

The town was incorporated in 1851. 




GRAIN HOUSE, BERNVILLE. 



Military Encampment. A military encampment was held in 
this borough in 1841. William H. Keim was the principal officer in 



214 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

command, and Berks County was represented by seventeen of the 
twenty-three companies in the county. Governor David Porter re- 
viewed the companies on dress parade. The encampment was a 
great success. 

The Bernvillc Cornet Band served as a part of the twenty-sixth 
regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, for nearly a year during the 
Civil War. It consisted of thirteen musicians. They were mustered 
out of service by an act of Congress in 1802. 

Rural free delivery routes have been established from Bern- 
ville. Stage routes from Reading by way of Bernville to Millers- 
burg and from Robesonia to Bernville have existed for many years. 

With the building of the Union Canal, industries sprang up. 
Tanneries and foundries were successfully conducted while the Canal 
furnished a means of shipping. The principal industries or places of 
business now existing are the following: — several stores, a creamery, 
an electric light plant, a saddlery, a hosiery mill, a drug store, two 
hotels, two bakeries and a bank. 

The two churches are in Penn Township just outside the bor- 
ough limits. The first church was established by the Lutherans in 
1745. 

BIRDSBORO. 

William Bird established at 'this place one of the first iron in- 
dustries of the State. The first forge was erected in 1740, and others 
later. Air. Bird took up several thousand acres of land along Hay 
Creek, where he erected a grist mill and a saw mill. During Revolu- 
tionarv times, his son was one of the largest producers of iron in 
America. Birdsboro was already a considerable town at the time of 
the erection of the county. 

The Brooke family became identified with the town about 1800, 
and no small part of its growth is due to their influences. It was in- 
corporated into a borough in 1872. The water is supplied from a 
reservoir Which was improved and enlarged by the Birdsboro Water 
Company in 1000. Electric lights were installed in 1806, and the 
protection against fire was much improved in 1005. 

The three steam railroads and the trolley lines increased the 
growth and importance of the town. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 215 

Industries. The Brooke Iron Company has the largest in- 
dustrial establishment in the town. When the Brookes obtained 
possession, they called it the Birdsboro Foundry and Machine Com- 
pany. They now employ about four hundred hands. 

The Bird mill has been rebuilt a number of times. It was 
equipped with rollers for making flour in 1879, but since 1898 it 
was used almost exclusively as a chopping mill. The town also 
contains a glove factory, a creamery, a hosiery mill and two shoe 
factories. 

A weekly newspaper is published. Several bands practice regu- 
larly. The Birdsboro Cornet Band served in the Civil War. 

Freshets. The most important freshets of the Schuylkill oc- 
curred in 1786, 1839, 1850 and 1902. In the freshet of 1850, the 
water rose twenty-five feet above its ordinary level and swept away 
the bridge over the Schuylkill, which had been erected only five 
years before. It was rebuilt and is still in use. A ford was reported 
at this place as early as 1778, when it is said the water was less than 
one foot deep. In the flood of 1902 the water w^as seven feet deep 
on Main street. 

FOYERTOWN. 

David Powel secured a patent in 1718 for much of the land that 
is now included in this borough. Iron ore was discovered shortly after- 
ward and a furnace was ouilt in 1720. This furnace was called Cole- 
brookdale, after a town in England. It was the first industry of its 
kind established in Pennsylvania. 

When the township was erected in 1741 it was named after the 
furnace. In 1835 the town was regularly laid out and in 18GG it was 
incorporated into a borough. Henry Boyer was one of the first 
settlers. He secured his land from Henry Stauffer in 1709. Mr. 
Boyer started a hotel and a general store and in time the place re- 
ceived the name it now bears. An attempt to establish a borough 
was made in 1851, but this did not succeed. 

The town is located on the Colebrookdale Railroad eight miles 
from Pottstown. A trolley line from Reading to Philadelphia passes 
through the borough. A line connecting Boyertown with Pottstown 
by way of Ringing Rocks was completed in 1908. 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




BOYERTOWN MINES. 

The Mennonites in 1710 built the first church on land donated by 
Henry Stauffer. 

A Great Catastrophe. A great catastrophe occurred in Boyer- 
lown, January 13, 1908. An entertainment under the auspices of one 
oFthe sunday Schools was in progress in Rhoads' Opera House. A 
calcium light was used. Something went wrong with one of the 
tanks, there was an explosion, and the place caught fire. One hundred 
and seventy-one persons lost their lives. 

Industries. Iron ore has been mined for one hundred and fifty 
years. It is of superior quality. Four shafts have been sunk, measur- 
ing, respectively, live hundred, five hundred and fifteen, six hun- 
dred and fifteen and seven hundred and twenty feet. Powerful 
engines are used to hoist the ore and pump the water. It is one 
of the largest iron ore mines in Pennsylvania. 

There are two large cigar factories, which employ many hands. 
One factory annually produces twenty million cigars. A cigar box 
factorv is also operated. 



BERKS B0R0UGH8 217 

The largest industrial plant of the town is that of the Boyer- 
town Burial Casket Company. It consists of four large four-story 
buildings. More than three hundred hands are employed. About 
one hundred caskets are shipped daily. 

Other industries are as follows : A machine shop, two bakeries, 
furniture company, carriage factory, foundry, knitting mill, paper 
box factory, marble yard, butcher shop, printing offices, livery sta- 
bles, tinsmith shops, different kinds of stores, several hotels and two 
banks. 

The first newspaper published here was issued in 1858, and the 
Berks Count}- Democrat is still one of the leading weekly papers of 
the county. The town is well supplied with light and water and 
has excellent protection against fire, having two organized fire com- 
panies. 

CENTREPORT. 

Centreport was organized into a borough in 1884. The first 
public house was erected in 1818, and with it was conducted a 
general store. In 1857 the tavern was separated from the store, and 
when the borough was erected, it remained in the township. The 
post office was established in 1868. 

A creamery, established in 1891, is still conducted. The knitting 
mill established in 1895 was destroyed by fire in 1901. A shirt 
factory was started in 1908. The manufacture of cigars was dis- 
continued some years ago. A saddler shop is still conducted. The 
furniture factory is an important industry, and the general store the 
leading business place. A confectionery and ice cream store is con- 
nected with the post office. 

The granite works, wagon works, implement house and black- 
smith shop are just outside the borough limits. 

Centreport has been the business place for Centre and adjoining 
townships for many years. The railroad station, Mohrsville, is two 
miles awav. 

FLEETWOOD. 

Fleetwood is a thriving borough twelve miles northeast of 
Reading, along the East Penn Railroad. One of the earlv settlers 
was a man by the name of Cox, who built a log house alono- what 



218 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



is now Franklin street, and the town was called Coxtown. A stone 
building, the Eastern part of the present Fleetwood House, was 
erected in 1775. It is the oldest building in the town. It is said it 
contained the sign of a crow, and so the place was sometimes called 
Crowtown. Upon the completion of the East Perm Railroad in 




===^rv 



OLDEST LOG HOUSE IN FLEETWOOD, OVER 100 YEARS OLD. LATELY RAZED. 

1859, the town was named Fleetwood after two surveyors, Fleet 
and Wood. Its growth was slow. It had only about thirty houses 
in 1800, but since then it increased rapidly, and became the center 
of trade for the farmers of the north and south. A town plan was 
laid out in 1808, and the town incorporated into a borough in 187:5. 
The post office was established in 1852. 

Industries. The first important industry was the Fleetwood 
Foundry in 1864 for the manufacture of farming machinery. It 
was successfully conducted for many years, but in the winter of 
1903 the plant was destroyed by fire. 

The largest industry is the Fleetwood Metal Body Works, em- 
ploying many hands. The other industries are the following: A 
silk mill, three hosiery mills, granite works, implement shops, two 
roller mills, one bakery, one creamery, three coal and lumber yards, 
tool works, pick works, printing office, paper box factory, different 
kinds of stores and four hotels. 



BERK8 BOROUGHS 219 

In 1841 Saint Paul's Union Church was erected. It is a stone 
building and is situated a short distance outside the borough. There 
are three other churches in the town. The bank was established in 
1907. 

Water works were established in 1889, and when the trolley line 
was built in 1904, electric light was introduced. 

HAMBURG. 

This borough was organized in 1837 and divided into two wards 
in 1886. The town was laid out in 1779, when it was called "Kaercher- 
town" after its founder. The turnpike from Reading to Pottsville was 
constructed in 1812, and the canal in 1824. These greatly aided the 
growth of the town. Stages ran over this pike in 1842. Boat building 
for many years was one of the leading industries of the town. The 
Reading Railroad was opened in 1842, and the Pennsylvania in 1885. 
The post office was established in 1798. Telegraph connection was 
made in 1847, and the telephone introduced in 1881. 

A severe rainstorm caused a flood in the town in 1906. Some of 
the streets were flooded to a depth of three feet. One man was 
drowned and others narrowly escaped with their lives. The wells 
became contaminated resulting in an epidemic of typhoid fever, which 
caused the death of a number of people. 

Industries. Many industrial plants such as distilleries, brewer- 
ies, boat building, tanneries, brick yards, wool factories and the like 
have existed at various times, but most of them have been abandoned. 

The grist mill was the first industry in the town. It has been 
in operation for about a century and a quarter. 

The following are the principal manufacturing establishments : — 
Hamburg Plow Works, Bleaching Works, Boiler Works, 
Bottling Works, Broom Factories, Carriage Factories, Cigar Fac- 
tory, Creamery, Electric Light and Power Plant, Engine Works, 
Flour Mills, Foundries, Gas Works, Greenhouse, Hosiery Mill, 
Ice Cream Factories, Knitting Mills, Silk Mill, Piano Factory! 
.Stove Foundry and various stores and lumber and coal yards. 

The following newspapers have been published : — The- Schneli- 
post, The Advertiser, The Rural Press and The Berichter. The Ham- 
burg Weekly Item has been issued since 1875. and since 1888 it has 
met with increasing success. 



220 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



A State Tuberculosis Sanitarium is now being built near Ham- 
burg. This will be a very large institution and capable of accom- 
modating four hundred patients. The building will be located on a 
hill, a mile beyond the town in Windsor Township. 

KUTZTOWN. 

The borough of Kutztown was incorporated in 1815. It was the 
second borough of the county, Reading having been the first. George 
Kutz laid out the town in 1771. The first dwellings were built soon 
thereafter. The borough now contains seven hundred and forty-two 
acres. Being an inland town its growth was slow. The East Penn 
Railroad was opened for travel in 1859 and in 1870 the branch was 
built from Topton to Kutztown. This gave the place new life and 
its growth has since been steady. The electric railway from Reading 
to Allentown passes through the borough. 

Henry Deisher has a collection of Indian relics that is one of 
the finest in the country. It contains about twenty-two thousand 
specimens consisting of arrow-heads, spear-heads, knives, scrapers, 
axes and the like. He also has a collection of various kinds of 
baskets made by the Indians. 

With the coming of the railroads, manufacturing establishments 
increased. Almost four hundred hands are employed. The following 
is a list of the places of business : Shirt factory, knitting mil!, 

creamery, marble 
works, carnage 



factory, silk mill, 
shoe factories, 
flour mill, foundry 
machine works, 
paper box factory,, 
brick yards, cigar 
factories, black- 
smith shops, 
wheelwright 
shops, tailoring 
e s t a b lishments, 
a b o u t twenty 




PIONEER HOUSE, KUTZTOWN, PA. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 221 

stores, eight hotels, law office, two printing plants, and a few smaller 
industries or business places. 

Banks and Newspapers. The First National Bank was organized 
in 1871. This was removed to Reading. The Kutztown National 
Bank was organized in 1897, and in 1909 the Farmers' Bank of 
Kutztown was established. The borough is well supplied with water 
and a municipal electric lighting plant was installed in 1905. There is 
a well equipped Fair Ground which has one of the best half-mile 
racing tracks in the State. The Kutztown Park is the pride of the 
borough. During the summer Sunday School picnics and family 
reunions are held there almost daily. 

The Kutztown Journal is a German newspaper that has been 
published since 1870. The Kutztown Patriot, an English paper, has 
been published since 1874. The Normal Yidette is a paper of the 
Keystone State Normal School, which is located immediately west 
of the borough. Its first issue appeared in 1891, and it aims to keep 
the graduates and friends informed as to the School's condition. The 
town has four churches and one of the finest High School Buildings in 
the State. 

LENHARTSVILLE. 

The Lenhart family settled at the point where this borough is 
located long before the county was organized. The borough was in- 
corporated in 1887, but the town bore the name one hundred years 
earlier. It is located in Greenwich Township along the Maidencreek. 
The post office was established in 1854. 

In the town there are two hotels, three stores, a blacksmith shop 
and about fifty houses. Several grist mills gave the town prominence 
from its early history and made it a business center. It was the center 
for several stage lines for many years. 

The Maidencreek Charcoal Furnace was erected in 1854, a short 
distance from the village. It became an important shipping point 
when the Berks County Railroad was built in 1874. There is a 
flourishing shirt factory employing twenty-five hands. 

Lenhartsville has long been quite a summer resort. Pure drink- 
ing water is derived from mountain springs. The Maidencreek, one 
of the county's picturesque streams, flows by the town and affords 
splendid fis'hing. 



222 THE BTORY OF BERK8 COUNTY 

MOHNTON. 

This town is in the Wyomissing valley five miles from Reading. 
In 1840 it contained a small log-house, and some pasture land, 
overgrown with brambles. Benjamin Mohn secured possession of 
it soon thereafter and erected a mill. The manufacture of hats 
became an important business. The house which Air. Mohn 
erected was later changed into a tavern. Factories soon were built 
upon the creek and houses were erected upon the adjoining hills 
for the people who were employed in them. The post office was 
established in 1857, and the borough in 1007. 

The Wyomissing furnishes good water-power and different 
factories sprang up along its course. Besides grist mills and wool- 
hat factories, a gun-barrel factory was operated for a number of 
years. The town now contains bakeries, cigar factory, grist mill, 
cotton lap factory, hosiery mills, paper box factory, planing mills, 
saw mill, shirt factories, wheelwright shops, electric light plant, 
water works and the like. The Mohnton Auditorium is the largesl 
in the county, outside Reading. 

The Reading and Southwestern Electric Railway passes through 
Mohnton to Adamstown where it connects with a line to Lancaster. 
The town has three churches and a bank. Pennwin is a new town 
near the eastern border of the borough. 

MOUNT PENN. 

Dengler's, a suburb of Reading was incorporated as a borough 
in 1902 and named Mount Penn. George Dengler. a prominent 
citizen of the place, owned most of the land before 1866. The 
tavern he conducted at this place was a popular stopping place for 
teamsters on their way to Philadelphia with grain. The post office 
was established in 1884, and the town was supplied with water in 
100.°>. The Aulenbach Cemetery was established in 1851, and the 
Antietam filtering beds, belonging to Reading, in 1005. 

The first industry in the town was a carriage factory, which 
was opened in 1S<!7. The town has the following business places: 
organ factory, paper bag factory, coal yard and a general store. 
Woodvale, adjoining Mount Penn, was laid out in 1884. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 223 

SHILLINGTON. 

This borough is located in Cumru Township in the vicinity of 
what for years was known as the "Three-mile House." It was 
organized into a borough in 1908, and named after Samuel Shilling, 
who, in 1848, bought most of the land upon which the town was 
founded in 1860. The post office was established in 1884, and the 
town was connected with Reading by trolley in 1890. The county 
poor-house adjoins the borough on the east. 

The borough has a grist mill, hot houses, cigar factories, 
hosiery mills, planing mill, a number of stores, hotel, butcher shops, 
bakery, hat factory, blacksmith shops, tinsmith shop, wheelwright 
shop and the like. The town has three churches and a large modern 
school building. 

The "Three-mile House" race course was a popular place for 
horse breeders for many years, but in 1912 it was abandoned and 
the ground laid out in building lots. 

SINKING SPRING. 

This borough derives its name from a spring of water, which 
is located at the eastern end of the town. The spring has a periodic 
flow, at times sinking out of sight entirely. Because of this pecu- 
liarity the spring was named "Sinking Spring" and the town and 
post office were also given that name. The first settlers came to 
this place as early as 1728. 

The place was founded in 1831 and was incorporated as a 
borough in March, 1913. The first election for borough officers 
was held April 22, 1913. 

At this place there is a splendid object lesson, which demon- 
strates the advancement in public education. At the eastern end 
of the town stands an eight-cornered stone building, which was 
used as a school house in the early days. Near the center of the 
borough stands a splendid modern school building, two stories 
high, and surrounded by a large playground that is almost ideal. 

The borough marks the junction of the Reading & Columbia 
and Lebanon Valley Railroads. 



224 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

St. John's Reformed Church, near the western end of the 
borough, was founded in 1792. The building was erected the fol- 
lowing year. In 1817 a pipe organ was installed and in 1851 an 
addition was erected and the present steeple constructed. The 
original building is said to have been one of the finest in eastern 
Pennsylvania at that time. The Sunday School chapel was dedi- 
cated in 1885. 

The borough has two hosiery mills, a foundry, two cigar fac- 
tories, a flour mill, an electric light plant, three coal and lumber 
yards, besides the usual other business places. There are four 
hotels and three churhces. 

TOPTON. 

Early History. This town was incorporated in 1877. It was 
started with the construction of the East Penn Railroad. It is lo- 
cated in Longswamp Township and was so named because it is 
the highest point on the railroad between Allentown and Reading. 
It became a great center for the shipping of iron ore soon aftei 
the completion of the railroad. The post office was established in 
1861. 

In 1871 an iron furnace was established. This was the leading 
industry for many years. A furniture factory was established in 
1880 and a flour mill in 1885. Both have been doing a prosperous 
business ever since. Great improvements have been made since 
1000. "Water was supplied to the town in 1803. 

Besides the above there is an underwear factory, silk mill, 
hosiery mill, creamery, bakery, three hotels, three stores, bank, 
lumber and coal yards, a foundry, machine shop and a few minor 
industries. The furniture factory was recently made a branch of 
the Boyertown Casket factory. 

In 1807, the Lutheran Orphans' Home was erected on an ele- 
vation a short distance south of the borough. It has now about 
one hundred inmates and is well supported. Every year an ex- 
cursic i is made to the home from various sections. The visitors 
on the ^e occasions brine: liberal contributions. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 



225 




226 THE STORY OF BEEKS COUNTY 

WEST LEESPORT. 

This borough is the only town in Bern Township, from which 
it was taken. It is situated nine miles north of Reading on 
the west bank of the Schuylkill River along the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad. It was part of a large tract which the 
Reesers bought of the Penns. The members of the family gave four 
acres of land with the understanding that the Railroad Company 
would place a station at this point. The name is derived from 
Leesport on the opposite side of the river, which was named after 
Samuel Lee, who laid out' building lots in 1840. The town was in- 
corporated into a borough in 1901. The post office was established 
in 1872. 

In 1893 a company was organized for the manufacture of 
hosiery. The mill was operated for several years, then abandoned. 
In 1899 the machinery was sold and the purchasers are still oper- 
ating the plant. There is an establishment for manufacturing vari- 
ous kinds of brushes. 

At the station large quantities of goods are received and ship- 
ped dailv, this being a distributing point for a considerable area 
of the country. 

West Leesport is especially noted as a milk shipping point. 
There are several stores, coal and lumber yard, and two hotels. 

WEST READING. 

In 1864 William Leiribach sold his farm of one hundred and 
sixteen acres to Frederick R. Frill who laid it out in town lots". 
This later became West Reading. Another tract was laid out in 
lots later. In 1908 the town which grew up was incorporated into a 
borough. The post office was established in 1892. 

The West Reading Water Company, which supplies the town. 
was organized in 1886. A chemical engine is owned by the West 
Reading Fire Company which protects the property against fire. 

Industries. A brick yard, started about 1847, makes five million 
bricks annually and employs a number of hands. Stone crushing 
machinery is operated very successfully, supplying the city of Read- 
ing with an excellent product. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 227 

A hat factory employs about three hundred hands. The Keyser 
Manufacturing Company manufactures sheep and grass shears which 
are sold in all parts of the world. A number of hands are employed 
in a large factory for the manufacture of sun bonnets, children's plain 
clothing and dry goods specialties. 

A flour mill turns out a fine product. 

Many hundred pounds of summer sausage are produced an- 
nually : hard and soft soaps are manufactured ; an oi! station has 
been established ; and a coal yard with up-to-date chutes is suc- 
cessfully conducted. 

A line of railroad was built through the town in 1002 for 
the purpose of running coal and freight trains around Reading to 
avoid the crowding of the tracks through the city. 

Reformed and Lutheran denominations have churches in the 
town. 

( )ther industries or places of business are : brass works, vari- 
ous kinds of stores, meat markets, several hotels, garages, car- 
riage works, blacksmith shops and wheelwright shops. 

WOMELSDORF. 

Womelsdorf is the second oldest borough of Berks County, and 
is situated close to its western boundary line, about 14 miles west 
of the city of Reading, on the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike. The 
town was laid out in 1702, by John Womelsdorf, who had moved 
thither from the Amity settlement in 1700. The original plan con- 
tained seventy-five lots, being a part of the historical Weiser farm 
located in Heidelberg Township. The proprietor named it Middle- 
town from its location midway between Reading and Lebanon. This 
name it bore until 1807, when a post office was established and was 
named Womelsdorf in honor of the founder of the town. 

The first house, a hotel, was built in 1762, by Jacob Seltzer. This 
building was one of the old landmarks until 1870, when it was razed to 
the ground. The stones were used in the cellar walls of the mansion 
erected by Eli Fidler on the adjoining lot. The hotel site is now oc- 
cupied by the row of brick houses on the north side of East High 
Street, built in 1001. The old structure was a substantial one, having 



228 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

been built of large limestone blocks. It is remembered as the place 
where the first President of the United States, George Washington, 
stopped for the night on the thirteenth of November, 1793, on his 
tour through Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and other Pennsylvania 
towns. The town was incorporated in 1833, embracing within its 
limits portions of the townships of Heidelberg and Marion. 

Industries. In the early days of Womelsdorf, hats were made, 
tanneries were conducted, and guns were manufactured. These 
activities have long since ceased. 

One of the early industries of the town was the manufacture of 
flour. Seltzer's mill, at the lower end of the town, was the first to 
be erected. It was run by water-power supplied by a South Mountain 
stream. This mill was rebuilt in 1862 and in 1877 steam-power was 
added. 

On the banks of the Tulpehocken in the northwestern part of 
the borough was another grist mill. This was totally destroyed by 
fire in 1000. It was rebuilt soon afterwards and the roller process 
installed. 

For years, however, the chief occupation of the borough has 
been the manufacture of cigars. This industry was introduced in 
1852. The business was begun in a modest way, but by perseverance 
and shrewd business tact, a trade has been established that has be- 
come national in its scope. Since 1882, one factory has occupied the 
Seibert mansion on High Street. With its spacious grounds it con- 
stitutes one of the finest factories of the state. Several other factories 
have been established since. 

Another industrv which has meant progress for Womelsdorf is 
the manufacture of hosiery. The borough has two large stores, carry- 
ing general merchandise, two grocery stores and a pharmacy. The 
Womelsdorf Union Bank was established in 1903. 

The Lebanon Valley Railroad has its station just outside the 
borough limits and the terminal of an electric road is located in the 
the western part. This road connects the borough with the city of 
Reading. 



BERKS BOROUGHS 229 

WYOMISSING. 

This beautiful borough, incorporated in 1007, is located on the 
Lebanon Valley Railroad, about one and three-fourth miles west of 
Reading. It was so named after the creek which passes through it. 

Its buildings are new, handsome and up-to-date in every respect. 
The borough hall is the finest structure of its kind in the county 
and the school building is of the very latest design. 

In the borough there are many flourishing industries : The Tex- 
tile Machine Works, in which are manufactured braid and knitting 
machines and other light machinery ; the Narrow Fabric Works, 
where shoe lacers and other narrow fabrics are manufactured ; the 
Reading Shale Brick Company, whose output of building and paving 
brick is enormous ; the Berkshire Knitting Mills, which turn out a 
splendid grade of full fashioned hosiery ; and the Wyomissing Plan- 
ing Mill, where a tremendous amount of finished material is turned 
out every year. There is another knitting mill which turns out a 
fine grade of hose. 

The people take exceptional interest in the affairs of the bor- 
ough, having a splendidly equipped playground which furnishes en- 
joyment for old and young throughout the summer. During the 
winter lectures, dances and musicales are frequently held to the delight 
of all. 

There is a splendid and adequate supply of water received from 
the Sinking Spring and Wyomissing Springs. 

A Civic League (Women's) has been organized which is very 
active and is doing splendid work. A public library started by the 
league is very commendable. 

Many of the residents take especial pride in gardening and vie 
with one another in good-natured rivalry as to who can raise the 
finest flowers and the best crops. 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




BERKS BOROUGHS 



231 



IMPORTANT STATISTICS 
















in 
u 


'/. 

C 








OF THE 




-t-» 












o 


3 


X 

G 




d 

3 

d 


BOROUGHS, 




G 










■a 


a> 






K> 


1912. 


-a 
c 


d 
o 

p. 


o 

3 


V. 

z 


-/. 
<v 

& 

- 


to 

fit 


,2 

s 

d 


u 

V 
DQ 


C 

d 
o 


3 

c 


V, 


u 
p. 




3 


r 


z. 


r, 


3 


G 


y. 


bo 


r 


~ 




o 




C 
fa 


C 


o 

Ph 


u 

X 


O 


ctf 


d 

Eh 


(4 


§ 


— 


* 


!- 

Ph 


1. Bally 


1740|1912| 


375 


2 


3 


1 




75 




2 


1 




2. Bechtelsville 


1852 


1890| 


417 


2 


1 





157 


132 


13 


2 


1 


$ 148,300 




1819 
1760 
1835 


1851| 
18721 
18661 


308 
2,930 
2,433 


2 

14 

14 


2 
6 

7 


1 
1 

2 


147 
828 
903 


104 
762 
703 


18 
47 
72 


2 
3 

4 


1 

2 
1 


138,440 




1,269,034 


5. Boyertown 


1,394,123 


6. Centreport 


1868 


1884| 


111 


1 


o 





48 


34 


6 





1 


53,570 




1S00 
1779 


18731 
18371 


1,394 
2,301 


6 
1 ?, 


4 

4 


1 

2! 


5 63 


417 


27 
77 


4 

8 


1 

?, 


718,156 




9 7 817 3 4 


997,980 


9. Kutztown 


1779|1815| 


2,360! 9 


51 


2I1,023|725 


71 


8 


H 


1,267,163 


10. Lenhartsville 


1854118871 


1531 1 


11 


01 


581 52 


10 


2 


1 


65,610 


11. Mohnton 


1850|l907| 
180011902 


1,536| 9 
785| 4 


3 

2 


11 

o 1 


5011412 
334J240 


26 
21 


2 
2 


1 
1 


364,380 


12. Mount Penn 


530,690 


13. Shilling-ton 


186011908 


1,4271 7 


3 


01 


6571412 


2 1 


1 


1 


472,945 


14. Sinking Spring . . . . 


1831|1913 


1,200| 7 


3 





360|325 


LO 


4 


1 


564,000 


1 5 Topton 


1859|1875 


S09| 4 


?, 


1 


3 5 2 248 


2 8 


8 


1 


427,908 


16. West Leesport 


L842 19 1 


436| 3 


2 


o 


1881128 


11 


2 


1 


162,130 


17. West Reading 


1873|1907 


2.0641 9 


2 


o 


743|574 


44 


2 


1 


833,590 


18. Womelsdorf 


176211833 


1,3011 7 


2 


1 


503|370 


2 7 


4 


1 


578,732 


1 9. Wyomissing 


1896|1906 


985| 6 


1 





676|285 


1 1 


2 


1 


954,344 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE CITY OF READING. 

Early History. (1748 to 1783.) Reading was laid out as a 
town in 174S, by Thomas and Richard Penn. The land had been 
bought by Thomas Lawrence, who resold it to the Penns. The tract 
lay on the east side of the Schuylkill River, at the place where it was 
crossed by the road from Tulpehocken. It was called Reading after 
a town of that name in Berkshire, England. 

Lebanon was then the nearest town. It was located twenty-eight 
miles to the west and was laid out in 1740. At that time there was 
but one house where Reading is now located, and the nearest church 
was a little to the north in Alsace Township. There were five hundred 
and twenty-two town lots and two hundred and four out lots. It 
took four years to sell the first two hundred and forty-one lots. The 
Lutherans had a Meeting house as early as 1750, and the Reformed 
and Friends before 1700. The Baptists, Episcopalians and Roman 
Catholics had meetings in the dwellings of members, but probably no 
church before 1780. Each religious denomination had its own school. 

Prominent Buildings. The first business place was the store of 
Conrad Weiser, erected in 1750, near Fifth and Penn Streets, the site 
of the present Stichter Hardware Store. It passed from the Weiser's 
to the Keim's and then to the Stichter's. It was known as the "Old 
White Store." 

The first County Prison was erected in 1770, at Fifth and Wash- 
ington Streets. This building was razed to the ground in 1911. 

The two lower stories of the Farmers' Hotel, northwest corner 
of Fifth and Washington Streets, were erected in 1700, by Michael 
Breclit. This is the oldest building in Reading. 

The Farmers National Bank building was erected in 1703. It 
was known as the Witman Tavern until Washington's visit, after 
which it was named the Federal Inn. The Rainbow Fire Company 
was organized in 1773. 



THE CITY OF READING 



233 



llffiDDDDDDDDDITO 
JflDQDDDDDQDDI^ 

1QDD0QDD© 

JDtlDDDi 

WMSXS. 

DDQOO'I 
QQDDQ 

JDffitB 
HOD, 
1DD06 




MAP OF READING. 



234 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




FEDERAL INN. 

When the Indians crossed the Bine Mountains during the French 
and Indian War, soldiers were quartered in Reading- to insure the 
safety of the people. Conrad Weiser was their commander, as well 
as Indian interpreter. 

During the Revolution, Edward Bid'dle was to Reading what 
Weiser had been during the time of the Indian War. He formed 
companies of troops, collected money and stores. The town was a 
military post and contained barracks for prisoners. 

Industries. About this time home-made nails, horseshoes, 
locks, clothing, blankets and carpet were made. Hats, dried fruits, 
smoked meats and lumber were matters of local manufacture. Such 
things as sugar, tea, turpentine and some varieties of cloth were 
brought from Philadelphia by wagons. 



THE CITY OF READING 235 

Dams shaped like a V were made at intervals in the Schuylkill 
to send grain, 'hay, hats, wool and merchandise of various kinds to 
Philadelphia upon flat-bottomed boats which were pulled by men. 
In the spring of the year hundreds of tons were sent in this way be- 
fore the canal was finished. 

Hunting and Fishing. Hunting and fishing, in those days, were 
both interesting and remunerative, the forest being extensive and the 
waters unpolluted. Bears were numerous, and many were s'hot in 
the vicinity of Reading. Deer, rabbits, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese 
and pigeons were plentiful. Pigeons flew in such numbers as to 
obscure the sun. Gunning for food, as well as for profit, was com- 
mon with every man. 

Large game is now seldom seen in the County. At the close of 
the gunning season of 1012, however, a large black bear was shot on . 
the Pinnacle in Albany Township. 

Fishermen were just as successful in the early clays as were gun- 
ners. Shad were abundant in the vicinity of Poplar Xeck and made 
that section famous as a fishing ground. It was preferred by the 
Indians above all other districts. 

Net, gig and rod and line were principally used in catching fish, 
which with game, furnished the chief food for the early inhabitants. 

The market days were Wednesday and Saturday of each week, 
when rows of farmers' wagons were backed up against the curb 
along Penn Square. The market people usually took their places as 
early as three o'clock in the morning. 

Reading became the County Seat when the count}- was erected 
in 1752, and this made it necessarv to erect public buildings. Until 
these were provided, private dwellings were used as offices. The first 
Court House was erected on Penn Square in 1702. Until the Revolu- 
tion one clerk held all the offices. Permission was procured from 
the State Legislature to hold markets and Fairs. As early as 1702 
more than thirty licenses were issued for taverns in Reading. When 
Reading became the County Seat, the town had one hundred thirty 
(130) dwelling houses and one hundred sixty (100) families which con- 
sisted t)f three hundred seventy-eie*ht (->78) oersons. 



236 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 













OLD COURT HOUSE. 

Reading as a Borough. (1783 to 1847.) At the close of the 
Revolution, Reading contained two thousand people, of whom about 
nine-tenths were Germans. It was incorporated into a borough in 
17S3. At this time Womelsdorf, Hamburg, Kutztown and Birdsboro 
were laid out as towns. The first newspaper was published in German, 
in 1789, and the first post office was established in 1793. A daily mail 
was received from Philadelphia. Letters were sheets folded and 
sealed with red wax. 



THE CITY OF READING 



237 



The first bridge across the Schuylkill in the vicinity of Reading 
was erected in 1810, near where the Schuylkill Avenue bridge now 
crosses the river. The first Perm Street bridge was erected in 1816, 
and in 1831 the first bridge was erected across the river at the foot 
of Bingaman Street. 







OLD PENN ST. BRIDGE. 

Three Fire Companies, in addition to the Rainbow, were organ- 
ized during this period. They were: Junior, 1813; Reading, 1819; 
Neversink, 1829. A costly fire occurred May 5, 1820, when six valu- 
able buildings on Penn Street were burned. 

WATER COMPANIES ORGANIZED. 

Wells supplied the water exclusively until 1821, when the Read- 
ing Water Company was organized. A reservoir was erected at the 
head of Penn Street, and the water from Hampden Spring conveyed 
into it through wooden pipes. The spring had a daily flow of 100,000 
gallons. 

The present Court House was built in 1840, and the railroad was 
completed to Reading in 1838. 



238 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 




PRESENT COURT HOUSE. 

Prominent Visitors. John Penn visited Reading in 1788. He 
came to sec for himself the town laid out by his brothers. He re- 
mained two days. 

President Washington visited Reading in 1704. While here lie 
stopped at the Federal Inn. 

Lafayette's visit to America in 1824, caused the erection of 
triumphal arches and torch light processions in Reading, though 
Lafavette himself was never there. President Van Buren visited 



THE CITY OF READING 



239 















iP^^*™19 


if 




' 


LtoJ^'f 


||jpi 


^^ 


Wz&3jl&%a 






^**' < ; ; & 




1 jlWWUWKft fe: 




WsGXZffifyffi 


&*^fe J 


:■: 






!| Tf 




||L|Pi 






s 


4' / Si 




|fl|., : : : : ; _£. ; £ 


*'■ ^Swllli 


^WwPJ 




k ^l&i 






















■ • * 






;'pl' ( 'i» 


g * , <sgj 






4ab^£» 


I^^JB 


1 ";' 






lIBi 




J, Wi 1 






■■■ ■ 












' - . ^ 




: : >£y&2ss 




w^3> 













ASKEW BRIDGE, NORTH SIXTH STREET. 

Reading' in 1839, enroute from Harrisburg to Easton. He was paid 
special honor because the year before he had selected Henry A. Muhl- 
enberg, a citizen of Reading, as minister to Austria. General Scott 
visited the town and the great "Military Encampment" in 1842. 

Reading Today. Reading is fifty-eight miles from Philadel- 
phia, and Harrisburg, the Capital of the State, is fifty-four miles west. 
The city lies in a rather narrow valley which slopes from Alt. Penn 
toward the Schuylkill. Xeversink Mountain rises to a height of eight 
hundred (800) feet and ends rather abruptly at the Schuylkill. Sur- 
rounding its base and ascending its slopes, like nestling chicks, are 
the homes and the factories which shelter and support its thrifty in- 
habitants. To the north the buildings skirt the foot of Mount Penn 
and spread themselves, as if eager to include the rich fields which 
form one of the finest agricultural regions of the State. From the 
top of Xeversink on one side may be seen the city with its roofs, its 
towering buildings and its spires ever pointing upward, and on the 
other, eight hundred square mi.les of rich, waving, rolling, farming 
country through which the winding Schuylkill draws a gleaming 
silvery line. Mount Penn. 1,110 feet high, skirts the northern portion 
and like a sleeping giant lazily stretches itself to the northeast. From 



240 THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 

its summit the streets may be seen crossing at right angles, and the 
trolley cars, as it were, noiselessly groping their way through them. 

In 1910, the population of Reading was 96,071. This was 3,929 
short of the necessary 100,000 to make it a second-class city. It 
is the largest third-class city in the State. 

City Officials. Every four years the voters of the entire city 
elect a Mayor, Controller, Treasurer and three Assessors. The 
town is divided into sixteen wards and the voters of each one of 
these elect a select councilman for four years and a common coun- 
cilman for two years. Each ward also elects an Alderman for a 
term of six years, a Constable for four years, and an Assessor for 
four years. The Mayor, Councils and other officials, appoint many 
officers. The following is the list : Chief of Police, Sergeants and 
Patrolmen, Commissioner of Markets, Building Inspector, Plumb- 
ing Inspector, City Scavenger, City Clerk, four Water Commission- 
ers, Citv Engineer, City Solicitor, three Commissioners of Public 
Works and Clerks and Members of the Board of Health. 

The active force of the police department consists of the Chief of 
Police, Clerk, six Sergeants, a Superintendent of Fire Alarm and 
Police Patrol, seventy-four Patrolmen, two drivers, two Police 
Telegraph Operators, two Turnkeys, one Scavenger, one Janitress. 
one Matron and an assistant Inspector of Poles. 

The Police and Fire Alarm system of telegraphing is main- 
tained under the management of one man. The Building Inspector 
is appointed by the Mayor. In his office is kept a record of all 
building operations in the city. He also has charge of the inspec- 
tion of telegraph and telephone poles of which there are more than 
eight thousand located in various parts of the city. 

Volunteer companies furnish protection against fire. About 
five thousand men belong to the thirteen companies that have been 
formed for this purpose. The fire apparatus belongs to the city 
and is valued at one hundred thirty-eight thousand dollars. 

There are eighty-five miles of opened streets. Many miles of 
pavements are kept in order. To pave, clean and repair these 
thoroughfares is no small task. As much as eighteen thousand dol- 
lars is required for this purpose. 



THE CITY OF READING 241 

Sanitary Provisions. About seven thousand dollars is spent 
yearly by the Board of Health to make the city as healthy a place 
as possible. The Plumbing" Inspector is a very important factor in 
doing this. A City Market Commissioner tests the scales, milk 
and products of various kinds to see that the purchasing public is 
honestly treated. The office of Milk and Meat Inspector has recent- 
ly been created. Garbage is disposed of by a modern scientific 
process in a large up-to-date plant. Householders furnish utensils 
to store refuse matter and a contractor receives one dollar and 
ninety-four cents a ton for disposing of it. It is removed twice a 
week. Twenty-two thousand five hundred dollars a year is re- 
quired for this work. 

The water works, to supply Reading with water, have been 
owned since 1821. During the year just passed more than four 
billion gallons have been used. The main source of supply is the 
Maidencreek. There are now in use five open sand bed filters, and 
sixteen covered sand bed filters have recently been constructed. 
One hundred and thirteen miles of pipes are needed to bring the 
water to all parts of the city. 

Industrial Conditions. Since the founding of the city much of 
its food stuffs have been secured in the surrounding farming districts 
which are noted for their richness. In addition to this, in its market 
houses there are found on sale all the products of the south, the west 
and the north. 

Located near the great coal beds, an abundant supply of coal 
at a low rate has been a special stimulus to industries of all kinds, 
especially iron. 

Located as it is on the Reading and Pennsylvania Railroads, 
there is excellent freight service. 

The Reading Car shops are vast and furnish employment to 
thousands. Electric transportation is well arranged, there being- 
two local lines, three mountain lines and six lines to suburban 
towns. More than nineteen million passengers are carried an- 
nually. 

Ever since colonial days Reading has been a manufacturing 
town. The hat-making industry was second only to that of Phila- 



242 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



delphia in those days. The city is credited with having four hundred 
eighty-two manufacturing establishments, twenty-four thousand 
one hundred and forty-five wage earners and the value of the pro- 
ducts manufactured is given as $51,135,000, and in each of these 
it leads Scranton, which has a larger population. 

Several large blast furnaces are now operated in the city ; 
establishments for the manufacture of stoves, hardware, automo- 
biles, bicycles, dye, textile, candy and paint are constantly busy ; 
and its leaf tobacco warehouses and factories are numerous, there 
being about a hundred cigar factories. 

Education. Reading has always been known for its excellent 
schools. There are in all forty-six school buildings, one being 
especiallv devoted to administration. The teachers and supervisors 




NEW PENN STREET BRIDGE. 

number three hundred and twenty-six, and about twelve thousand 
children are enrolled. The High School building for boys, and that 
for the girls, are both modern structures that represent the best 
in architecture and adaptability to the purpose for which they were 
erected. The* night classes are especially well attended. The Young 
Men's Christian Association has more than twelve hundred mem- 
bers and a new building has been constructed at a cost of $200,000. 



THE CITY OF READING 



243 




FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE. 

Reading has had a free public Library since the beginning of 
the present century. A splendid new building was erected on the 
southwest corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets in 1912. 

Organizations for Civic development, and Parents' Associations 
are all helping to educate. So do the sixty-two churches which the 
city contains. The noblest and the best men have always so ar- 
ranged the educational affairs as to build up high ideals of what 
constitutes proper social service which each individual should render, 
and conserve the manhood and womanhood of each successive gen- 
eration of its inhabitants. Their lives exemplified the truth of the 
following stanza : 



"What makes a city great and strong? 
Not architecture's graceful strength, 
Nor factories' extended length ; 
But men who see the civic wrong 
And give their lives to make it right, 
And turn its darkness into light." 



THE CITY OF READING 245 

LEADING FACTS —1912. 

1. Founded — 174S 

2. Incorporated- — 1783 

3. Post Office established— 1793 

4. Area — 3,965 acres 

5. Census— (1790) 8,410; (1S47) 12.(100; (1910) 96,071 
0. Railroads — (7 steam, 9 electric and 2 scenic) — 18 

7. Miles of Street — 85 

8. Parks — 295 acres 

9. Market Houses — 10 

10. Pumping Stations — 2 

11. Reservoirs — 

12. Cost of Water Works— 13,949,558 

13. Places of Amusement — 21 

14. Charitable Institutions — 13 

15. Churches — 91 

10. Schools— 47 (335 teachers) (13,000 pupils) 

17. Banks— 14 

IS. Newspapers — 19 

19. 'Mercantile Licenses— 1700. 

20. Retail Liquor Licenses — 174 

21. Registered Voters— 18,234 

22. Property Valuation— .K)4,958,975 

23. Trolley Lines — 43 miles 

24. First Fire Company organized — 1773 

25. Number of Fire Companies — 13 

20. Value of Equipment of Fire Companies — f 135,750 

27. First Newspaper — 1789 

28. First Railroad— 1S3S 

29. Water Company organized — 1S21 

30. City Hall erected— 1870 

31. Post Office built— 1889 

32. The County has — 34 Wholesale Liquor Dealers, 7 Bottlers, 
3 Distillers, Brewers 



CHAPTER XIV. 



OUR NATIONAL FLAG. 

Previous to the Revolutionary War, the colonies used a variety 
of fla^s on which were patriotic mottoes. Among' these might be 
mentioned the Pine Tree Flag, the Rattlesnake Flag, and the Liberty 
Flag, all of which were used during the first year of the Revolution 

and earlier. The first 
flag used by Washington 
was unfurled at Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts, 
on Jan. 1, 177(5, when he 
took command of the 
Continental Army. This 
flag was similar to the 
British flag, only that 
thirteen stripes were ad- 
ded to it to represent 
the thirteen original 
colonies. It was called 
the Union Jack. 
On June 14, 1777, Congress adopted the first National flag. Gen. 
George Washington, Robert Morris, and Col. George Ross were the 
committee appointed by Congress that devised this new flag. They 
called on Mrs. Betsey Ross of Philadelphia, who was noted for her 
skill as a needlewoman, and proposed that she should put together a 
flag after a design furnished in a pencil drawing by Gen. Washington. 
It is related that Mrs. Ross changed the star to five points. Gen. 
Washington having at first suggested six points. It is also related that 
the flag was made out of a soldier's white shirt, a blue army overcoat, 
and a red flannel petticoat. This flag contained thirteen red and white 
stripes and thirteen wdiite stars in a blue field arranged in a circle. 
The stars and stripes were to represent the thirteen original colonies 




BIRTH OF OUR FLAG 



OUR NATIONAL FLAG 247 

The idea of making stars and stripes on our flag was probably 
obtained from Washington's coat of arms. 

This new flag was first raised at Ft. Stanwix (now Rome), N. Y., 
on Aug. 3, 1777, and was first carried in battle at Bfandywine, Sept. 
11, 1777. Paul Jones first raised it on the ocean, and Captain Robert 
Gray first carried it around the world. 

In 1795, Congress passed a law that a new star and stripe is to 
be added ever}- time a new state is admitted. By this method the 
stripes got narrower every time a new state was admitted to the 
Union ; but this was remedied by Samuel E. Ried of Xew York, who 
suggested that it was best to have thirteen stripes on our flag to 
represent the thirteen original colonies, and as many stars as there are 
states in the union, and that every time a new state was admitted, 
a new star was to be added to the flag on the Fourth of July, next 
succeeding the admission. Mrs. Ried and her lady friends made a 
Hag as suggested by her husband, and this was adopted by Congress 
on April 4, 1817, and on July 4. 1818, it was unfurled to the breeze on 
the Nation's Capitol. 

In the army flag, the stars are grouped in the form of a large 
central star; and in the navy flag, they are arranged in parallel rows. 

The colors of the flag are red, white, and blue; red stands for 
defiance ; white for purity and blue for fidelity. 

The flags for our navy are made in the navy yard at Brooklyn. 
X. Y., and the floor of the room in which they are made, is the pattern 
of the flags. 

The largest flag made by the nation is 34.86 ft. long, and 13.12 ft. 
wide. 

The material used in manufacturing our flags has to stand a 
severe test. It is steeped for 24 hours in fresh water, then it is taken 
out of the water, strong soap applied, scrubbed, rinsed, and dried. 
Then it is exposed to the direct rays of the sun for 18 hours. If it 
stands all these tests, and does not fade, it is accepted by the Govern • 
ment. 



CHAPTER XV. 



PUBLIC OFFICIALS. 



FOREIGN MINISTERS. 

Henry A. Muhlenberg, to Austria. 1S3S-1S40 
J. Glancy Jones, t<> Austria, 1858-1861 

FOREIGN CONSULS. 

John Endlieh, at Basle, Switzerland 

Henry May Keim, at Prince Edward Island 

CONGRESSMEN. 

Daniel Heister, 1789-1797 

Joseph Heister, 1797-1807, 1S15-1S20 

Matthias Beichort. 1807-1811 

John M. Ilyneumu. 1811-1813 

Daniel Udree. 1813-1815, 1823-1825 

Ludwig Worman. 1821-1822 

William Adams, 1825-1829 

Henry A. Muhlenberg, 1829-1S38 

George M. Keiin, 1838-1843 

John Ritter, 1843-1847 

William Strong, 1S47-1853 

J. Glaucy Jones, 1851-1853, 1S54-1S5S 

Henrv A. Muhlenberg. Jr.. 1S53-1S54 

William II. Keim. IS58-1859 

John Schwartz, 1859-1800 

Jacob K. McKenty, 1S80-1861 

Sydenham E. Ancona, 1S61-1867 

J. Lawrence Getz, 1867-1873 

Heister Clymer. 1S73-1SS1 

Daniel Ermentrout, 1881-1889, 1S97-1899 

David B. Brunner. 1889-1893 

Constantine J. Erdman, 1893-1897 

Henry D. Green, 1899-1903 

Marcus D. Kline. 190:5-1907 

John II. Rotherinel, 1907 

STATE OFFICIALS. 

Charles Biddle, Supreme Executive Councillor, 
elected li.v I he Legislature. 1784-1787 

Joseph Heister, Governor, 1820-1823 

Gabriel Heister. Surveyor General, appointed 
by the Governor, 1824-1830 

Frederick Smith. Supreme Associate Justice, 
appointed by the Governor. 1828-1830 

Jacob Sallade, Surveyor General, appointed by 
the Governor. 1839:1845 

John Banks, State Treasurer, elected by the 
Legislature, 1S47 

William Strong; Supreme Associate Justice. 
1857-1868 

William M. heister. Secretary of State, ap- 
pointed by Governor. 1858-1860 

William II. Keim. Surveyor Geueral. 1S60-1861 

Warren J. Wocoward, Supreme Associate Jus- 
tice. 1874-1879 

David MeMurtrie Gregg, Auditor General. 1892- 
1895 

SENATORS. 

Joseph Hiester, 1790-1794 

Gabriel Hiester, 1795-1790. 1S05-1S12 

Christopher Lower. 1797-1S04 

John S. Hiester. 1809-1812 

Charles Shoemaker, 1S13-1S16 

Matks J,,hn Biddle. 1S17-1S20 

Conrad Feger, 1S21-1824 

George Sehall, 1S25 1828 



Daniel A. Bertolet. 1S2S-1S32 
Paul Geiger, 1833-1836 
John Miller. 1837-1810 
Samuel Pegely, 1S4MS46 
John Potteiger, 1847-1849 
Henry A. Muhlenberg. 1S50-1852 
William M. Hiester, 1S53-1S55 
John C. Evans, 1S56-1S5S 
Benjamin Nunnemarher. 1S59-1S60 
Heister Clymer, 1861-1S66 
J. Depuy Davis. 1867-1873 
Daniel Ermentrout, 1874-1SS0 
Edward H. Shearer. 1881-1884 
Prank R. Brunner. 1885-1888 
Henry D. Green, 1S89-1S96 
\V. Oscar Miller. 1897-1900 
Edwin M. Herbst, 1901 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

Moses Starr. 1752-1754 

Francis I'arvin, 1755 

Thomas Yorke. 17.>j-1757 

James Boone, 1758 

John Potts. 1759-1701 

John Boss. 1762-1704 

Adam Witman, 1765-1766 

Edward Biddle. 1767-17S1 

Henry Christ, 1771-1781 

Valentine Eckert. 1770-1779 

Henrv Haller. 1776-1781 . 

John Lesher. 1776- 1781 

Johnafhon Jones. 1779-1780 

John Hiester, 1782 

Gabriel Hiester, 1782, 1787-1789, 1791. 1S02- 

1804 
Baltzer Gehr, 1782. 1786, 1792-1799 
Daniel Hunter, 1782 
Benjamin Weiser, 17S2 
Joel Bishop, 1782- 17s4 
Daniel Clymer, 1783-1784. 1787. 1791 
Chris. Lower, 1783-1785. 1793-1794. 1796 
Abraham Lincoln, 1783-1786 
John Ludwig, 1783. 17S9. 1790 1792 
John Patton, 1783 
George Ege, 17S3 

Nicholas Lotz, 1784-1786. 1790-1794 
John Rice, 1784 
Henry Spyker, 17S5-1786 
David Davis, 17S5-1788 
Martin Rhoads, 1785 
Philip Kraemer, 1786-1787 
Joseph Hiester, 1787-1790 
Charles Biddle. 1788 
Joseph Sands. 178S-1790 
Daniel Brodhead. 1789 
Daniel Leinbaeh, 1790 
James Collins, 1791 

C. Shoemaker, 1792-1801. 1810. 1812 
Paul Groscup. 1792-1798 

John Christ, 1795-1796 

John Spayd. 1795-1810 

Peter Frailey, 1797-1801. 1810-1812 

William Lewis., 1797-1798 

D. Rose, 1799-1804. 1803-1808. 1811-1812 
Daniel Udree, 1799-1803. 1S05 
William Witman, 1800-1805 
Frederick Smith. 1802-180:" 

Isaac Adams, 1S04-1S05 



PUBLIC OFFICIALS 



249 



Jacob Rhoads, 1804-1 SOS, 1S09 
Jacob Epler, 1S05, 1S16 
Elias Kedoay, 1S06-1807 
Valentine Probst, 1806-1S0S 
Jacob Schaeffer. 1S06-1S0S 
John Bishop, 1806 
Daniel Yoder, 1807-1808 
Bernard Kepner, 1'SOS 
Jacob Schneider. 1800 
David Kerbv, 1S09-1S12. 1815, 1817 
John M. ITvneman. 1809 
James MacFarland. 1S09 
Adam Ruth, 1810-1811 
Courad Feger. 1811-1814 
John Miller. 1813. 1815 
Jacob Krebs. 1813-1814 
John Adams. 1813-1814 
Jacob Sassaman, 1813 
George Marx. 1814 
Jonatlion Hudson. 1814 
Daniel Kerper, 1815 
Daniel Rlioads, Jr.. 1815-1817, 1822 
Jacob Dreibelbis. 1815 
Christian Haldeinan. 1816 
D. Hottenstein, 1816. 1822-1824. 1827 
William Schoener, 1817 
God fried Roehrer. 1817. 1820, 1823 
Michael Graeff. 1817-1819 
Joseph Good. 1818-1819 
Jacob Levan, 1818-1819 
Blisba Geiger. 1818 
Jacob Griesemer. 1818-1819 
John Neikerch, 1819. 1822 
John Kohler, 1820 
Abraham Mengel. 1820 
John W. Roseberry. 1820 
George Gernant. 1820-1821 
Samuel Jones. 1821 
Joseph Good. 1821 
Jacob Rahn. 1821 
Jacob Schneider. 1821 
William Adams. 1822-1824 
John Gehr. 1822-1823 
William Audenreid. 1823-1824 
Henrv Bnver. 1824-1827. 1832 
James Rverhard, 1824-1826 
George Rahn. 1825-1827, 1828 
Jacob Gehr. 1825-1826 
George M. Odenheimcr. 1825 
Daniel A. Bertolette. 1826-1828 
Michael Graeff. 1826 
Philip A. Good. 1827-1829 
Mordeeai Lewis. 1828 
John Stauffer. 1829-1831 
Thomas J. Roehrer. 1829-1830 
George Klein. 1829 
Paul Geiger. 1829-1831 
John Wanner. 1830-1832 
John Potteiger. 1831-1834. 1842-1844 
William High. 1&32 
Peter Klein. Jr.. 1833-1834 
Benjamin Tyson. 1833 
Jacob M. Snvder. 1833-1834 
Adam Schoener. 1834. 1839-1840 
William Hottenstein. 1835-1836 
Lewis W. Richards. 1835 
John Ulrich, 1835-1836 
John Jackson. 1835-1837 
John Sheets. 1836-1837 
Michael K. Boyer. 1837 
S. Pegley. 1837 1839. 1848. 1849. 1851 
Jacob Walborn, 1838-1839 
Abraham Hill. 1838-1839 
James Geiger. 1838 
Henrv Flannery. 1840-1841 
Peter Filbert. 1840 
Daniel B. Kutz. 18401841 
Robert M. Barr. 1841 
Samuel Moore. 1841-1843 



John Shenk, 1842-1843 
Joseph Bachman, 1842-1843 
Henry W. Smith, 1844-1845 
John C. Evans, 1844, iS50-185_' 
Alfred J. Herman. 1S44 
Jacob Tice, 1845-1840 
Michael Hoffman. 1845-1846, 1857 
Henry G. Stetler. 1845-1846, 1848 
Charles Levan, 1840-1847 
John Long. 1847-1848 
John C. Myers, 1847-1849 
Jacob Graeff. 1847 
William Shaffncr. 1849-1850 
Daniel Zerbey. 1849-1850. 1853 
Alex S. Feather, 1850-1851 
Jacob Reifsn.vdcr. 1851-1852 
Isaac Yost, 1852-1853 
George Dengler, 1852-1853 
Jacob Wicklein 1853-1854 
John P.. Smith 1854 
George Shenk, 1854-1856 
Daniel V. R. Hunter. 1854 
Jeremiah Mengel, 1855 
John F. Linderman. 1855 
Samuel Shearer, 1855 
Andrew M. Sallade, 1855 
J. Lawrence Getz, 1856 1857 
William Heins, 1856-1857 
Benjamin Nunnemacher, 1856-1858 
Michael Hoffman, 1857 
Edmund L. Smith. 1858-1859 
Amos Weiler, 1858 
Solomon L. Custer. 1859-1860 
Augustus F. Bertolet. 1859 
Joshua S. .Miller, 1860 
Elijah Penn Smith, 1860-1861 
Michael P. Boyer, 1861 
Henrv B. Rhoads. 1801. 1805-1867 
Charles A. Kline. 1862-1864 
Daniel K. Weidner. 1S62-1S63 
William X. Potteiger, 1862-1864 
John P. Missimer. 1864-1806 
Frederick Harner, 1865-1807 
Richmond L. Jones, 1867-1S6S 
Henrv S. Hottenstein. 1868-1869 
Henry Brobst. 1868-1870 
Aaron T. C. Keffer. 1870 1S72 
Hiram H. Schwartz. 1870-1872 
John A. Conrad. 1871-1873 
Benjamin E. Dry. 1873-1876 
Michael MoColIough. 1S73-1S74 
Aaron Smith, 1874-1876 
Daniel L. Batdorf. 1S74-1S76 
Nicholas Andre. 1S75 
Joseph B. Conrad. 1875-1878 
George D. Shaeffer. 1877-1880 
Stephen J. Smith. 1877-1880 
James Liggett. 1879-1882 
John H. Riegel, 1870-1882 
C. A. Seidel, 1881-1884 
George K. Loral] 1ssi-]SS4 
Isaac Z. Deck. 1883-1886 
James \V. Sponagle, 1883-1886 
Ben ia min C. Baer. 1885-1888 
L. P. G. Fegley, 1885-1888 
N. S. Kauft'man. 1887-1800 
John E. Pautsch. 1887-1890 
C. W. Kutz. 1889-1892 
Samuel B. Keppel, 1801-1804 
F. Leonard Reber, lsoi-1894 
Jacob B. Herzog. 1803-1800 
Cyrus J. Rhode. 1895-1898 
Jacob M. Weible, 1S95-1S98 
Charles B. Spatz. 1897-1900 
Frank II. Naftzinger. 1899-1902 
Lot W. Reiff 1W.I 1902 
Elmer E. Squibb, 1001 1904 
Francis \V. Balthaser. 1901 1906 
Thomas K. Houck, 1903 1906 



250 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY 



Jacob A. Lesher, 1905-1906, 1909-1910 

Howard G. McGowan, 1907-1908, lliUHH- 

Irwin M. Sharman, 1907-1910 

David H. G. Kuser, 1907-1910 

George C. Herman, 1911-1912 

E. W. Billman, 1911-1912 

Howard W. Body, 1913 

B. Morris Strauss, 1913 

Daniel A. Rothenberger. 1913 

JUDGES- 1752- ■ * 

Conrad Weiser, 1752-1760 

Francis Parvin. 1752-1761 

Anthony Lee 

Jonas Seely. 1732-1766, tr69 

Henry Harvey 1752-170:' 

William Bird. 1752-1755 

William Maugridge, 1750-1766 

-Moses Starr, 

James Boone. 

Jacob Levan, 1752-1762 

James Read. 

Peter Spycker, 1703 

James Diemer. 1700-1771 

John Patton. 1700-1775, 1777 

Nicholas Harmony. 1760-1771 

Henry Christ. 1700-1771. 1784-1790 

Sebastian Zimmerman. 1707-1771. 1778-1784 

Joseph Millard, 176S-1769 

Jacob Morgan, 1768-1769. 177::. 1774-1777 

George Douglass, 1708-177::. 1775-1784 

(Jorge Webb 1770-1771. 1774 

Thomas Butter. 1770-1771 

Benjamin Lightfoot. 1771 1774 

Mark Bird. 1775-1776 

Daniel Brodnead, 

Balthaser Gehr, 1775-1784 

Jonathan Potts, 1770-1777 

William Eeeser, 1778-17S4 

Thomas Dunlap, 

James Diemer, 

Peter Spycker, 1770-1790 

Henry Christ. 1777-1784. ITS 

Jacob Shoemaker. 1777 

James Bead, 1777 

Daniel Hiester, 1777 

Jacob Weaver. 1777-17N4. 1784 

John I.udwig. 1777-17S4. 1784 

Benjamin Shott, 1777 

Christopher Schultz. 1777 

Samuel Ely, 1777-17*4. 17S4 

Jacob Waggoner. 1777 

Daniel Rothermel, 1777 

John Old, 1777 

Charles Shoemaker, 1777-1784, 1784 

Thomas Parry. 1777 

Michael Lindenmuth. 1778 

Gabriel Hiester. 1778 

John Guldin, 1780 

Valentine Eckert, 1784 

Paul Groscup, 1784 

John Eckert, 1784 

Henry Christ. 1784-1790 

James Bead. 

Daniel I.evan. 

Valentine Eckert. 1785 

John I.udwig. 1785 

Jacob Morgan. 

Charles Shoemaker, 1785-1790 

Paid Groscup, 

Jacob Weaver. 17S5 

John Eckert. 17S6 17^7 

John Otto. 1786-1787 

Matthias Reichert, 1788-1790 

John Otto, 1785 

Matthias Reichert, 1788-1791 

Nicholas Hunter. 17ss 

Egcdius Meyer, 1777-1784, 1784 



Jacob Morgan, 1777-1784. 
James Diemer. 1788-1791 
Egedius Meyer. 1789-1790 
John Christ. 1789-1790 



1784 



PRESIDENT JUDGES. 

Jacob Bush, 1791-1805 

John Spayd, 1806-1809 

Robert Porter, 1810-1831' 

Garrick Mallery. 1833-1835 

John Banks, 1836-1846 

J. Pringle Jones. 1847-1848. 1851-1861 

David P. Gordon. 1849-1851 

W. J. Woodward. 1801-1871. 1871-1874 

Jeremiah Ilagenman. 1875-1879, 1880-1889 

James N. Ermentrout, 1890-1908 

Gustav A. Endlich, 1908 

ADDITIONAL LAW JUDGES. 

Henry Van Reed, 1360, 1875 
Jeremiah Hagenman, 1869-1874 
Augustus S. Sassaman, 1876-1880 
James X Ermentrout, 1887-1889 
Gustav A. Endlich, 1890-1908 
Win. Kcrper Stevens, 1908-1909 
George W. Wagnci 1900 

ORPHANS' COURT JUDGES. 

Hiram H. Schwartz. 1883 1891 
U. Willis Bland. 1891-19 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES 

James Diemer, 1791-1819 
George Ege. 1791-1818 
Matthias Reichert, 1.791-1797 
Joseph Hiester, l'j'91-1794 
Nicholas Lotz 1;'93-1800 
Benjamin Morris. 179S-1809 
Gabriel Hiester, 1819-1823 
Charles Shoemaker, 1820-1822 
William Wituian, 1823-183S 
Jacob Schneider, 1824-1829 
Matthias S. Richards, 1829-1845 
William Darling, 1830-1838 
William Addanis, 1839-1842 
John Stauffer, 1843-1851 
William High. 1846-1850 
Samuel Bell, 1851 
Daniel Young. 1851-1850 
William Heidenreich, 1851-1850 
David Schall. 1856-1860 
George I). Stitzel. 1850-1S66 
Charles Kessler. 1806-1871 
David Kutz. 1866-1870 
Henry Rhoads, 1870-1871 
George W. Bruekman. 1871-1870 
Daniel Buskirk, 1871-1876 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

Evan Price, 1752-1753 

Edward Drury. 1752-1750 

John Godfrey, 1752-1701 

Jacob Lightfoot, 1753-1750, 1759-1«62 

Thomas Butter. 1750-1759 

William Reeser. 1757-1700 

Samuel High, 1700-1703. 1773-1.. o 

Christian Witman. 1761-1764 

John Hughes, 1762-1765 

Frederick Weiser, 1703-1700 

Richard Lewis. 1704-1767 

Isaac I.evan. 1765-176S 

Nicholas Harmony. 1700-1709 

Christian Merkel. 1707-1771) 

Jacob Snyder. 1709 1771 



PUBLIC OFFICIALS 



151 



John Jones, 1769-1772 

Henry Rightmeyer, 1770-1773 

Davis Brecht, 1771-1774 

Abraham Lincoln, 1772-1778 

Michael Brecht, 1774-1777 

Christian Lower, 1776-1779 

John Kerlin, 1777-17S0 

Adam Witman. 1778-1781, 17S4-1787 

TUomas Jones, 1779-1782, 1783-1786 

Thomas Parry, 1780-1783 

Daniel Messersmith, 1781-1784 

Michael Forry, 1782-1785 

Conrad Eckert, 1785-1791 

Daniel Leinback, 1786-1789 

John Keim, 1787-1790 

Jacob Boyer, 1789-1792 

Jacob Bower, 1790-1793 

John Riegel, 1791-1794 

George Lorah, 1792-1795 

Philip Miller. 1793-1796 

Peter Kersehner, 1794 IT'.iT 

William Witman. 1795-1798 

Nicholas Dick. 1796-1799 

Isaac Adams, 1797-1800 

Jacob Rhoads, 17981801 

Peter Feather, 1799-1802 

Jacob Epler, 1800-1803 

Casper Merkel, 1801-1804 

John Cunnius. 1802-1805 

Daniel Voder. 1803-1806 

Adam Knth. 1804-1807 
Henrv Halm. 1805-1808 

Henry Hottenstein. 1806-1809 

Nicholas Leib. 1807-1810 
Jacob Miller 1808-181] 

Valentine Boyer, 1809-1812 

Daniel Until. 1810-1813 
George Boyer. 1811-181 1 
Jacob Gehr, 1812-1815 
William Addams. 1813-1816 
George Shreffler. 1S14-1S17 
Daniel Levan, 1815-181S 
William High, 1816-1S19 

Peter Stichter, 1S17-1S20 
Ge< rire N. Lechner. 181S-1821 
Peter Knabb, 1S19-1S22 
David Hrisrht. 1820-1823 
George Kemp. 1821-1824 
Frederick Stanim. 1S22-1S25 
Henry Reeser, 1,823-1826 
John Wanner. 1824-1827 
Jo'hn Potteiger, 1S25-182S 
John Halm. 182(1-1829 
Stanley Kirby. 1827-183.0 
George Gernant, 182S-1S31 
Anthony Bickel, 1829-1S32 
Doniel K. Hottenstein. 1830 1 ^::."> 
John Filbert. 1831 1834 
Jacob Goodman, 1832-1S3" 
Daniel Snyder, 1833-1836 
John Deysher, 1834-1837 
John Y. Cunnius. 1895-1838 
John Seibert, 1836-1839 
David Kutz. 1837-1840 
Michael Reigsnyder. 1838-1841 
George Weiler. 1839-1842 
John Long, 1840-1843 
William Arnold. 1841-1844 
John Sherman. 1842-1S45 
Adam Leize, 1843-1846 
Frederick Printz 1844-1S47 
Micdiael Gery, 1S45-184S 
David Yoder. 1846-1849 
Charles Fichthorn. 1S47-1S50 
Conrad Clouse. 1848-1851 
Thomas Shaner. 1849-1852 
Joseph A. Schneider, 1850 1^">3 
John McGowan, 1851-1854 
Benjamin Kutz, 1852-1855 



Jacob Young, 1853-1856 

Gabriel Filbert. 1854-1857 

William Knabb. 1855-185S 

Samuel Summons, 1856-18"9 

D. L. Wenritfh, 1857-1S60. 18:13-1866 

William Miller. 1858-1S61 

John F. Moers. 1S59-1862 

Paul Wenrich, Sr.. 1860-1863 

J. Dona newer, 1861 

George K. Lorah, 1861-186* 

H. R. Hawman. 1862-1865 

Adam Stein. 1S04-1S67 

William S. Young. 1865-1871. LS79-1881 

Jacob Schartol. 1S66-1869 

Benjamin l.evan. 1867-1870 

John I.. Mover 1869-1872 

William Rahn, 1S70-1S73 

Joseph Mnthart. 1S71-1S74 

David Lord. 1872-1873 

Henry Seidel, 1873-1S74 

William Fry. 1873-l'S7o 

William Ouibenhauer, 1874-1875 

Henrj W. Smith. 1876-1S7S 

William Davidheiser 1876-187S 

William G. Moo"e. 1S76-1878 

John Walborn, 1879-1881 

Jeremiah R. Guldin. 1879-1881 

Samuel G Hatfield, 18S2-1884 

Peter Spang, 1882-1884 

David ('. Keller. 1882-1884 

John L. Wagner. lS8o-1887 

Samuel K. Fisher, 1885-1887 

David C. Keller, 1888-1890 

Samuel G. Herbine. 18S8-1S90 

Cyrus Levan, 1888-1890 

'Samuel R. Deppen. 1891-1893 

Cyrus W. Kauffman. 1891-1893 

Jacob II. Ueeser. 1891-1893 

Franklin Seidel. 1894-1896 

Jeremiah Ilartman. 1894-1896 

Henry Stover 1894-1896 

John Wuueh, 1S90-1S99 

George K. Linderman. 1897-1899 

Wesley K. Loose, 1897-1899 

Charles E. Stangier. 1900-1902 

Alfred Gunkel, 1900-1902 

Frank II. Meyer. 1900-1902 

John W. Slipp. 1903-1905 

Harry L. Johnson. 1903-1905 

Oliver II. Sanders. 1903-1905 

James M. Y'erger. 1906-1908 

James F. Fis'her. 1906-1908 

Chester B. Cleaver. 1906 Vmw 

Jacob M. Bordner. 1909-1911 

Augustus R. Anderson. 1909-1911 

Eugene I. Sandt. 1909 

Nicholas .1. Kutz. 1912 

Nicholas Rapp. Jr.. 19PJ 

CONTROLLERS. 

Joseph X. Shomo. 1901 
John F. Ancona. 1902-1904 
Horace F. Livingood, 1905-1907 
Ambrose l. Rhoads, 1908-1911 
Daniel K. Hoch, 1912 



TREASURERS. 

Jonas Seely, 1752-1768 
Christopher Witman. 1768-1779 
Daniel Levan, 1779-1789 
Daniel Messersmith. 1789-1807 

1814-1817 
John K. Messersmith. 1807 1809 

1817-1820 
Daniel Rhoads, 1si'i)-l823 
David Bright. 1823-1835 
Peter Nagle, 1835-1843 
Henry Xatclo, 1843-1845 



1809-1811, 
1811-1814, 



252 



THE STORY OF BERKS COUNTY* 



William Arnold. 1845-1847 
Henry Hans. 1847-1849 
Adam Leize. 1849-18.-1 
William Ermentrout, 1851-1853 
Charles VanHeed, 1853-1855 
George Feather, 1855-1859 
David riank, 1859-1801 
William Herbst. 1861-1803 
John Kurtz, 1803-1805 
Isaac R. Fisher. 1865-1867 
Charles H. Fritz. 1807-180.9 
Samuel Merkel, 1869-1871 
Abraham Y. Yoder. 1871-1873 
Hiester M. Nagle, 1873-1875 
Abraham H. Shaeffer. 1876-1878 
Adam M. Dundore, 1879-1881 
John Kersehner. 1882-1884 
John S. Holtzman, 1885-1887 
David W. Mogel, 1888-1890 
Isaac F. Mareh. 1891-1893 
Amendon Bright, 1894-1890 
Cosmos D. Kutz. 1897-1899 
Alfred K. Rentsehler. 1900 1902 
Edwin G. Ruth, 1903-1905 
Henry II. Fry, 1905-1908 
William M. ('roll. 1909-1911 
William D. Reeser, 1912 

SHERIFFS. 

Benjamin Lightfoot. 1752-1754 

William Boone, 1755-1750 

Thomas Lincoln, 1757-1758 _„„„_„, 

Jacob Weaver, 1759-1700. 1763-1,64 

Henrv Christ, 1701-170.2 

Jasper Scull. 1765-1707 

Jacob Shoemaker. 1768-17(0 

George Nagle, 1771-1773 

Henrv Yanderslice. 1774-1, <t> 

Daniel Eevan. 1777-1779 

Henry Iloffa. 1780-1781 

Philip Kraemer. 1782-1784, 1.91-1793 

Peter Filbert, 1785-1787 

Jacob Bower. 1788-1790 

Peter Frailey. 1794-179". 

John Christ. 1797-1799 

Nicholas Bick, 1800-1802 

John Spveker. 1803-1805 

Conrad Feger. 1800-1808 

George Marx. 1809-1811 

Baniel Kerper, 1812-1814. 1824 1820 

Peter Anrand. 1815-1817 

John Miller. 1818-1820 

Henrv Betz. 1821-1823 

John ' Bickel, 1827-1829 

James Sillyinan, 1830-1832 

Henrv Bowman, 1833-183.. 

George Fox, 1830-1838 

Henrv Binkley, 1838-1841 

Daniel Esterly. 1841-1844 

George Gernant. 1844-1847 

John S. Schroeder. 184 < 18..0 

John Potteiger. 1830-1853 

John Manderbach. 1853-1856 

Jeremiah B. Bitting. 1856-1859_ 

Abraham R. Koenig. 18. .9-1 862 

Tobias Barto, 1862-1865 

William B. Albright. 1865-1868 

Evan Mishler. 1808-1871 

George R. Yorgey .18,1-18.4 

Alfred C. Kemp. 18, ..-18, 7 

Levi M. r.erhart. ™™*™ 

George D. Boyer. 1881-1888 

eorfe B Schaeffer. 1884 1886 
Fias Becker. 1887-1889 
George T>. Pahrenbach 189^1892 
Frank H. Schmeok. 1893-189.. 
Frank Brobst. 1890-1898 
Albert F. Mogel, 1899-1903 



Jacob S. Sassaman. 1904-1900. 
John C. Bradley, 1907-1911 
Thomas G. Werley, 1912 

PR0TH0N0T ARIES. 

James Read. 1752-1775. 1777 
Thomas Dundas. 1770 
Jacob Shoemaker. 1778 
Daniel Levan. 1779-1789. 1791 
John Otto, 1790 
George Eckert, 1792-1800 
John S. Hiester, 1801-1808 
Gabriel Hiester. 1809-1S17 
Samuel D. Franks. 1818 
John Adams. 1S19-1S20. 1824-1S26. 
Marks John Biddle. 1821-1823 
Jacob Sallade. 1827-1829 
Alex. H. Witman. 1836-1838 
Benjamin Tyson. 1839-1842 
Daniel Young. 1S42-1845 
Peter Strohecker, 1845-1848 
Michael K. Rover. 1848-1851 
Charles II. Hunter. 1851-1854 
Josiah Hearing. 1854-1857 
David Fister, 1857-1800 
Adam W. Kauffiuan. 1800 '80 ! 
Jonathan L. Reber, 1863-1866 
Wellington B. Griesemer. i860 1869 
George K. Levan. 1869-1872 
Ephraim Armstrong. 1872-1875 
Charles F. Rentsehler, 1870-1878 
Amos Weiler, 1879-1881 
William D. Althouse. 1882-188' 
Levi F. Dietrich. 1885-1887 
Daniel H. Sehwever. 1888-1891! 
Joshua R. Burkev. 1891-1893. 1894 
William II. B. Seboenly. 189! 
Oliver J. Wolff. 1895-1897 
Danicd It. S.hmeck. 1898-1900 
John G. Rhoads, 1901-1903 
Edward J. Morris. 1904-1900, 
Eldrldge Zimmerman. 1907-1909 
Thomas F. Adams. 1910 

RECORDERS. 

James Read, 1752-1750 
Henrv Christ. 1777-1789 
John Christ. 1790-1791 
Jacob Rower, 1792-1799 
Peter Frailey, 1800-1808 
Jacob Schneider. 1809-1817 
John Adams. 1818 
Daniel Rhoads. 1819 1820 
John Miller. 1821-1823. 1830- ia35 
John Frederick Smith. 1824-1829 
Joseph Allgaier. 1830-1838 
John Green, 1839 
William Wunder. 1839-1842 
Henrv II. Maurer. 1842 1845 
Jolm W. Tyson. 1845-1848 
Israel R. Eaueks. 1848-1851 
John Bush. 1851-1854 
Hiram S. Getz, 1854-1857 
Nicholas Heckman, 1857-1860 
Charles X. Keller. 1800 1863 
rsaac I.. -nicks. 1863-1866 
Henrv R eider, 1800-1809 
Daniel Hummel. 1809-1872 
Charles Hill. 1872-1875 
Jefferson M. Keller. 1870-1878 
William Zimmerman. 1879-1881 
Isaac M. Bechtel, 1882-1884 
W. Benton Stolz, 1885-1887 
James F. Dumn. 1888-1890 
.las. W. Sponagle, 1895-1897 
Daniel II. Rieser. 1898-1900 
Prank F. Dressier. 1901-1903 



PUBLIC OFFICIALS 



253 



Henry H. Holzman. 1904-1906 
Jeremiah A. Bausher. 1907-1909 
Wilson B. Zcllor. 1910 

REGISTERS. 

James Read, 1752-1774 
Collinson Read, 1770-1776 
Henry Christ, 1777-1789 
John Christ, 1790-1791 
Jacob Bower. 1792-1799 
Peter Frailey, 1800-1808 
Jacob Schneider, 1809-1817 
Daniel Rhoads 1818-1820, 1824-1829 
Peter Aurand. 1821-1823 
George Smith. 1830-1835 
William Zeber, 1836-1838 
Joel Ritter, 1839-1842 
John Green. 1842-1845 
Isaac Ely. 1845-1848 
Joseph Ritter. 1848-1851 
Jacob Snell, 1851-1854 
Daniel Buskirk. 1854-1857 
Tobias Barto, 1857-1860 
Benjamin R. Dry. 1860-1863 
Michael S. Thirweehter. 1863-1866 
J. Daniel Wanner. 1866-1869 
Hiram S. Getz, 1869-1872 
Henry S. Croll, 1872-1875 
Peter Y. Edelman, 1876-1878 
Solomon S. Kindt, 1879-1881 
Jonas, M. Sbollenberger, 1882-1884 
Amnion S. Strunk, 1885-1887 
Albert H. Fegley, 1S8S-1890 
Henry D. Strunk, 18P1-1893 
William H Schaeffi r. 1894-1896 
George B, Miller. 1897-1899 
Devi £ Mabry. 1900-1902 
William R Kemmerer. 1903 1905 
Wilson >1 Dumn. 1906-1908 
George R Gregory, 1909-1911 
John J Newman, 1912 

CLERKS OF QUARTER SESSIONS. 

Ja:ne. Bead, 1752-1776 

James Whitehead, 1777177s 

Hem Cirrisl 1779 

Daniel Levan, 17SO-1791 

(icorg. E-ckert. 1792-1799 

John g, Hiestor 1S00-1S0S 

Gabriel Hiester, Jr.. 1809-1812. 1814-1817 

John M, Hyneman 1813 

Samuel D. Franks. 1818 

John Adams. 1819-1S20 

Henry M. Richards. 1821-1822 

Jacob Marshall. 1S23 

Jacob Sallade, 1824-1S26 

Nathaniel P. Hobert. 1827-1829 

Philip A. Good. 1830-1832 

William Schoenei', 1833-1835 



Charles Troxell, 1836-1838 
William II. .Miller, 18.;'.) 
Samuel Myers, 1839-1842 
John L. Rightmyer, 1842-1851 
Zacharias H. Mauivr. 1851-1854 
Edwin H. Brockway, 1854-1857 
Joseph S. Hoyer. 1857-1860 
James Bell, 1S60-1S63 
Francis Roland. 1S63-1866 
Levi M. Gerhart, 1866-1869 
Adam H. Sailor. 1S69-1872 
Jacob H. Ilain. 1872-1875 
Mahlou A. Sellers. 1S7U-187S 
Enoch S. Matthias, 1879-1881 
Isaac Eckert, 1SS2-18S4 
Morris II. Shaeffer. 1885-1887 
Henry (;. Ileinly. 1888-1890 
William II. Sallade, 1891 1893 
Henry .1. IIoll. 1894-1895 
Edwin T. Brown. 1895 
Harry J. Dunm. 1896-1898 
Daniel A. Bausher. L899-1901 
Jacob B. Esser. 1902-1904 
Peter S. IIoll. 1906-1907 
Samuel T. Bordner. 1908-1910 
Lawson G. Dietrich, 1912 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Jacob Hubley. 17S9-1S17 
Frederick Smith, 1818-1820 1824-1827 
Charles Richards, 1823 
Daniel J. I Hester, 1822-182: 1 , 
Joseph II. Spavd. 1828-1829 
Joseph I). Biles. 1830-1S31 
Alexander L. King. 1832-1835 
George G. Karclav 1836*1838 
J. Pringlo Jones. 1839-1846 
Peter Filbert. 1S47-"184S 
John S. Richards. 184D-1S50 
Jeremiah Hagenman. 1850-1856 
Jacob J. McKontv, 1856-1859 
James B. Beehtel, 1859-1S62 
Daniel Ernientront. 1862-1865 
Wharton Morris, 1S65-186S 
Edward II. Shearer, 186S-1S71 
Deter D. Wanner. 1871-187-1 
Henry C. G. Reber. 1875-1877 
William M. Goodman, 1878-1880 
Hiram V. Kauffman, 1881-1883 
Israel H. Rothennel. 1884-1886 
Jere.miah K. Giant. 1887-1889 
W. Oscar Miller. 1890-1892 

Frank K. Fl I, 1893-1895 

Adam B. Rieser. 1896-1898 
Abraham H. Rothennel. 1899-1901 
George W. Wagner, 1902-1904 
Ira G. Kutz, 1905-1907 
Harry I). SChaeffer, 1908-1911 
Harvey F. Ileinly. 1912 



MAY 29 1913 















-> 



^ -^ 



^ v « 



^ 



v ^ 



** V .% 












*N -A 






_N 









^ V 






?-%, 



%$' 






«r J -p 



.*> 



cfc 



^ "^ 



\ v -^. 












o /_ " • 



*o 












^ 


? 


/ 








N N 




x° 


°x. 






*>. 














-> 




^ 















.i\ - 
\ 



\ v 



o 









V 









\/; 



^^ 






^^: 






,V 



^ ^> 



iN" - 






•K^ rS 






^ 



OO 1 


















^ 






V </» 



# ■ 



.v " c- 












.** 












'ti 









*A * 



^ ^ 









</' I^V 





















V 















o 





















^%. 






<r -^ 


















^ V* 















*v . 












*>- ^ 






